Changes to rates in 2024-25
We are doing rates differently this year
Uncertainty in the local government sector and changes to central government have made it challenging for local councils to set their rates at the usual time. As a result, we’re doing rates a bit differently this year.
The rating year runs from 1 July until 30 June. Normally, Taupō District Council’s rates are set by 30 June each year. But for 2024-25, we will instead be setting the rates at the end of September 2024.
If you think of your yearly rates as a pie, normally your rates pie is in four pieces, or instalments. This year it will be in three larger pieces.
In 2024, the 20 August instalment of rates will be skipped. That means we won’t be sending you a rates notice on 1 August as usual.
There will be three rates instalments instead – on 20 November, 20 February and 20 May.
What does this mean for you?
In July and August 2024, a letter or email was sent to everyone who pays rates to explain the changes. The letter outlined what the changes mean for you and what you will need to do, if anything, based on how you normally pay your rates.
As an example, if your 2024/25 annual rates are projected to be $4,500.00 you would normally receive four quarterly instalments of $1,125.00 but this year you will have three instalments of $1,500.00. So you still pay the same total amount.
Rates instalments and due dates 2024-25
Instalment | Due Dates | Period the instalment covers |
One | 20 November 2024 | 1 July 2024 – 31 October 2024 |
Two | 20 February 2025 | 1 November 2024 – 28 Feb 2025 |
Three | 20 May 2025 | 1 March 2025 – 30 June 2025 |
What do you need to do?
What you will need to do will differ based on how you pay (direct debit, automatic payment or other methods) and the frequency of how you pay (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or annually).
If you normally pay quarterly, we understand you may not want three larger slices of the pie! If you'd rather have four smaller slices (i.e. pay four smaller amounts) there's a few ways you can do this.
Take a look at the drop-down sections below for information specific to each payment option.
Direct Debit - paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly
If you pay by direct debit weekly, fortnightly or monthly, you don't need to do anything.
To ensure your direct debit payments cover your projected annual rates, we have calculated what your rates are likely to be this year. You will have been sent a letter or email in July 2024 with your adjusted direct debit payment amount and date this change will take effect.
You can see the estimated amount for your annual rates on our property and rates search page.
If you have any questions or want to make a change to this arrangement, please let us know at least three working days before the change takes effect by emailing info@taupo.govt.nz or call us on 07 376 0899.
Once the rates have been set in September, we will let you know if we need to adjust your payments.
Direct Debit - paid quarterly
You normally pay your rates in four quarterly instalments: in August, November, February and May. This year, the 20 August instalment of your rates will be skipped. That means there will be three instalments instead.
To ensure your direct debit payments cover your projected annual rates, we have calculated what your rates are likely to be this year. You will be sent a letter or email in August 2024 with your adjusted direct debit payment amount.
You can also see your projected annual rates on our property and rates search page.
If you are happy with three instalments, you do not have to do anything. Your rates will be automatically direct debited in November, February and May on the due date.
Make a voluntary manual payment
We realise not everyone will be able to manage three larger rates instalments.
You can make a voluntary manual payment on the usual Instalment One due date of 20 August. This payment would be one quarter of your projected annual rates which you can find on our property and rates search page.
Taupō District Council is set up as a bill payee for most banks. Please use your valuation number in the reference field of your internet banking. Alternatively, you can pay on our website using your credit card, at one of our customer service centres in Taupō, Tūrangi or Mangakino or by calling us on 07 376 0899.
Smooth your rates payments
If you want to smooth your rates, you can switch to monthly direct debit payments. Please contact us on 07 376 0899 or email info@taupo.govt.nz to set this up.
Automatic payments, bank transfer, credit cards and other payment types
If you are happy with three instalments, you do not have to do anything for now. You can wait for your invoice to arrive in October and arrange your first payment on 20 November 2024.
Smooth your rates payments
You can smooth your rates by making a voluntary payment on the usual Instalment One due date of 20 August. The amount to pay will be in the letter or email you will receive in late July or early August. You can also see the estimated amount for your annual rates on our property and rates search page. Divide the projected annual rates by four to see what the quarterly amount is.
Pay rates by direct debit
If you're not already paying your rates by direct debit you can make life easier by making the switch.
Smooth your rates and avoid penalties by switching to quarterly, monthly, fortnightly or weekly direct debit rates payments - choose the frequency that suits you best!
Rates rebate
If you have received a rates rebate in the past, we will send you a rates rebate application form in October 2024 with your rates invoice. If you qualify for a rates rebate, your direct debit payments will be adjusted accordingly.
We are here to help
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 07 376 0899 or email us at info@taupo.govt.nz if you have any queries about your rates or payments.
