Rates Enquiry
Rates Enquiry
Why we collect rates
Rates help fund essential services and facilities for our community, including footpaths and roads, cycleways, playgrounds, libraries and waste management. About 50% of our income is made up of rates and the other 50% comes from grants, user fees and charges, development contributions and interest on investments.
Instalment due dates
We send out annual rates and charges rates notices at the beginning of the financial year and quarterly instalments throughout the year. Payment due dates are:
- 1st instalment - 31 August
- 2nd instalment - 30 November
- 3rd instalment - 28 February
- 4th instalment - 31 May.
If you pay your full annual amount at the beginning of the financial year, you will not receive quarterly instalment notices.
How rates are set
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) sets the maximum rate increase for NSW councils.
For 2025/2026, the approved increase for City of Newcastle is 5.1%, which has been applied in our annual budget.
How your rates are calculated
Every three years, the Valuer General revalues all land in the Newcastle Local Government Area.
The most recent revaluation occurred in 2024/2025, and these land values are used to calculate 2025/2026 rates.
When to use this form
- Request to withdraw an incorrectly lodged rates application
- Request help understanding the charges on your rates notice
- Discuss financial hardship support
- Discuss your pension concession eligibility
- Cease receiving your rates via eNotices and revert to postal delivery.
Next steps
- You'll receive an acknowledgement with your request number.
- We will reach out to you to discuss your enquiry and send you a notification when we complete your request.
Time frames
We will respond to your enquiry within 3-5 business days.
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