Pay your rates
To pay your rates you will need:
- Biller code for Port Phillip: 356899
- Reference number: the 15-digit account number on your rates notice
Payment options
You can pay your rates by:
- BPAY - in your online banking account or over the phone via the Bpoint phone number. This is the cheapest option with no merchant surcharge on card payments.
- direct debit - 9 monthly deductions from your bank account
- pay online with a credit card using our secure gateway - Note the biller code displayed on the payment review screen is 1380526. It is different from the code on your bill. This ensures your sensitive information is not displayed on the screen.
- Phone (BPoint) - 1300 276 468 using Visa, MasterCard and AMEX
- in person at Australia Post or our Town Hall service centre.
If you pay with your credit card you will be charged a card payment fee except via BPAY.
Due dates for 2024/25
You can pay your rates as one lump sum, or in quarterly instalments.
If you decide to pay as a lump sum, it is due by 15 February 2025.
To pay in 4 instalments, the due dates are:
- 1st instalment – 30 September
- 2nd instalment – 30 November
- 3rd instalment – 28 February
- 4th instalment – 31 May
These dates are also on your rates notice. Pay the instalment by the due date using your preferred payment method listed above.
Late payments – interest charges
If you don’t pay your rates and charges by the due date, you will be charged 10 per cent interest.
Interest is charged according to how you pay your rates. If you don’t pay the lump sum by 15 February 2025, interest charges will be back dated to 1 October 2024. If you are paying in instalments, interest will be charged from the instalment due date until the date you pay.
Set up direct debit payments for your rates
Set up a direct debit to pay your rates automatically. Apply before 13 October by completing the Direct Debit application form (PDF 84 KB).
Not online? Ask for a paper form with a reply paid envelope. Phone us on 03 9209 6777.
How it works
Nine payments are deducted from your account from 15 October to 15 June (or the closest business day).
To apply you must:
- send in your direct debit application before the due date
- pay any rates owed before applying
- ensure the person authorising to debit the account is the same name on the account.
We will let you know when it has been set up.
Make sure you have enough funds in your account to cover the payment. You may be charged fees it if can’t go through.
Cancel or change your direct debit
A direct debit agreement is a continuous agreement. To cancel it you need to tell us in writing at least 7 days before the next debit date.
Change your bank details
To change your bank account for your direct debit, send us Direct Debit application form with the new details.
We will let you know when the bank details have been updated.
Your rates notice explained
Understand how your property rates are calculated and what is listed on your notice. Ask to have your notices emailed or get a copy of an old notice. Visit Your rates notice.
Victorian Government Fire Services Levy increase
Council does not set the levy. It is set by the Victorian Government, under the Fire Services Property Levy Act 2012. The Act allows for a fixed charge and a variable percentage on the Capital Improved Value of a property. Victorian Councils collect the levy for the Victorian Government.
In 2024/25 the Victorian Government announced an increase of 5.1 to 5.6 per cent depending on property type for the fixed charge. The variable charge is expected to increase by:
- 89 per cent for residential properties
- 18 per cent for commercial properties
- 4 per cent for industrial properties.
Residential ratepayers can expect an increase between $30 and $140, depending on the value and type of the property.