Litchfield Shire Council - The Council / Finances & Rates

Payment of Rates
Payment Options
Payment Difficulties
Change of Postal Address
Rate Book Charges
Concession for Pensioners

The Litchfield Council has two main sources of income, Commonwealth funding and rates. Commonwealth funding this year is estimated to be $2.319 million whilst revenue from rates will be approximately $5.209 million.

The Litchfield Council does not apply traditional rating methods i.e. rating based on the valuation of land. Instead the ouncil applies a flat rate on all land on a equal basis irrespective of valuation, size or use of the block.

The current council rates are $720.00. An additional sealed road levy is imposed on ratepayers where their roads are being sealed in the forthcoming financial year.

To see an explanation of the current rates structure, click on the link below (PDF file).

Declaration of Rates and Charges for 2008-2009 (10.50 kB)

To see a comparison of the rates set by the council between 1986 and the present, click on the link below (PDF file).

General Rates Declared - History (10.59 kB)

Council Finances details how the council uses the approximate $2.97 million collected from residents in rates.

Payment of Rates

Council rates are charged each financial year (1 July to 30 June). Issue of Rate Notices usually occur in September. Penalties for late payments are charges at 17% per annum.

Payment Options

Litchfield Shire has a number of payment options available to ratepayers.

Payments can be made:

In person:

At the Council Office between 8:30 am & 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

By cash,
Australia Post Money Order,
Bank or Credit Union cheque,
Credit Card (Mastercard, Visa),
EFTPOS (transaction > $50, no cash out facility)

An after hours deposit chute is also available near the foyer.

Please bring your rates notice with you.

By B-Pay:

To make a direct payment from your cheque, savings or credit card account, log on to Internet Banking or call your bank and quote the biller code and the reference number on your rates notice.

By Mail:

Please send a cheque, money order or credit card details with remittance notice to:

Litchfield Council
PO Box 446
Humpty Doo NT 0836

By Phone or Fax

To make a credit card payment by phone call (08) 8983 1912 between 8.15am and 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Please have your rates notice and credit card details handy.

Alternatively you can fax your credit card details and remittance notice to (08) 8983 1165.

By Email:

Email your credit card details and remittance details to rates@lsc.nt.gov.au

By Direct Debit:

Northern Territory Government Employees can directly debt the payment of rates from their salary each fortnight by contacting their paymaster and quoting the deduction code RM 0044.

NTCU (Now Australian Central Credit Union) members can arrange for the credit union to post a weekly, fortnightly or monthly cheques to be sent to council from their accounts.

By periodic Credit Card deduction

Regular debits from credit cards for an agreed amount and time interval can also be arranged. To activate this method a written agreement needs to be made between the council and the credit card holder. Please contact the council for further information.

Credit Card Agreement Form (39.68 kB)

Payment Difficulties

If you are having difficulties paying your rate, please contact the Council before the due date.

Payment Agreement Form (16.54 kB)

Change of Postal Address

Ratepayers must notify the Council in writing of any change of postal address within 28 days. A penalty of $2,200.00 can be charged for failing to notify council of postal address changes.

To change your address please click on the link below, print out and complete the Change of Postal Address form (PDF file). Post or fax it to the council.

Alternatively email your change of postal address to: rates@lsc.nt.gov.au

Notice of Change of Address (60.00 kB)

Rate Book Charges

Rate Book Inspection Fee

Under Section 152 (4) of the Local Government Act any person is entitled to inspect the Rate Book free of charge during office hours.

Fees for Rate Search or Written Confirmation

A charge of $50.00 (including GST) is charged for written information of details from the rate book; i.e. Certificate of Liabilities.

Concession for Pensioners

Eligible Aged Pensioners are entitled to a concession on their rates. Concessions are automatically included in rate notices.

Enquiries regarding pension eligibility should be directed to:

Dept of Health & Community Services
Pensioner Concession Unit
PO Box 40596
CASUARINA NT 0811

Telephone: (08) 8922 7306