Are there any properties that are exempt from paying rates and charges?

Some land is exempt from rates and charges due to land use or the ownership. To be considered exempt from rates and charges, the land must be:

  • owned by the State and Federal Government
  • within a national park, historic site, nature reserve or state game reserve
  • owned by Sydney Water Corporation
  • owned and occupied by a religious body (e.g. churches or synagogues)
  • owned  and used in connection with a school
  • held in the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council or a Local Aboriginal Land Council.

If you believe the land you are paying rates for should be exempt from rates and charges, you must apply in writing to Council and provide evidence that the land meets the provisions of the New South Wales Local Government Act.

Pay your rates

There are a number of ways you can pay your rates:

  • Online by credit card
  • Online by direct debit
  • In person at Council’s Customer Service Centre, 55 Spring St, Bondi Junction, between Monday and Friday, 9am - 5pm.
  • Cheque or money order to Locked Bag W127, SYDNEY, NSW, 1292.
  • Via Bpay using Council's biller code 1610 and the customer reference number located on your rate and instalment notices.
  • Via payment at any branch of the Commonwealth Bank in Australia.
  • Phone 1300 303 698 to pay by credit card, 24 hours, 7 days a week.  If you experience difficulties, please call 1300 307 000 to speak to an operator.

Related forms/documents

Register to receive your notices electronically

You can now request a copy of your rates, instalment and reminder notices be sent to you via email - simply submit your details using our online form.

Change your postal address

If you have moved or would like to change the postal address for your rate notices, you can now update your details online - simply complete and submit our online form.

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