The easiest way to pay your rates on time is by direct debit.
Council rates are paid in two instalments each year. The first instalment is due on the last working day of August, and the second instalment is due on the last working day of February.
You must clear your rates by the instalment due date regardless of the payment option you choose.
Direct debits are an easy way to ensure you pay your rates on time, and they can be set up or amended online at any time throughout the year.
Regular direct debits allow you to build credit towards paying your rates on the instalment due dates, and can be set to occur weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Alternatively, you can set a due date direct debit to pay the amount you owe in full, either six-monthly or annually, in-line with instalment due dates.
A direct debit gives Council the authority to make deductions from your bank account. On the days when a direct debit is scheduled, the money you owe will automatically be taken out. When your new rates payment is calculated each year, we will automatically update the amount debited from your account and you’ll be notified of any changes in advance.
If you have just purchased a new house, or for some reason can’t pay your first instalment in full, you can choose the start-up option when you set up your direct debit. This allows you to pay for your current rates bill in arrears, while also building up credit towards your next instalment.
Amending a direct debit
If you need to edit the details of an existing direct debit, for example if you want to change the bank account it’s linked to, simply set up a new direct debit and it will supersede the existing one.
Regional Council rates
From 1 July 2022, Tauranga City Council will no longer be collecting rates on behalf of Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Find out more about BOP Regional Council rates
Set up a direct debit now