The easiest way to pay your rates on time is by direct debit.
Your payments are scheduled so you gradually build credit toward your upcoming instalment dates, helping ensure your rates are paid on time without needing to make a large lump‑sum payment.
A separate direct debit is required for each property.
When rates are due
Rates are billed in two instalments each year, due on:
- the last working day of August (invoice 1), and
- the last working day of February (invoice 2).
Paying by direct debit allows you to spread these instalments into smaller, regular payments across the year.
Direct debit payment options
You can choose a payment frequency that suits you:
- Weekly - deducted on your chosen day (Tuesday or Thursday)
- Fortnightly - deducted on your chosen day (Tuesday or Thursday)
- Monthly - deducted on the 20th of each month (or the next working day)
- Instalment due date - full instalment deducted on each due date
- Annual - full year's rates deducted on the August due date
How your direct debit is calculated
When you set up a direct debit, your payment amount is calculated using:
- your current account balance at the time of setup (if any), and
- your annual rates amount for the current rating year.
Your total amount is then spread across the remaining months until the next annual recalculation.
Annual recalculation
Each July, once the new rates for the upcoming rating year are confirmed, your direct debit is automatically recalculated. The updated amount will be shown on your first instalment invoice (invoice 1) and will reflect:
- your new annual rates amount, and
- your account balance at that time.
Please note: you may pay more than you expect in the first year, up to one and a half times of your annual rates, to cover any existing balance as well as build credit towards your upcoming instalments. Once your account is up to date, your payments will settle into a regular and consistent amount matching your annual rates.
Changing your direct debit
You can request a change to your direct debit at any time by submitting a new online Direct Debit Application. Use this form to:
- update your bank account details
- change your payment frequency
If you submit a new direct debit request, it will replace your existing one.
Cancelling your direct debit
You may cancel your direct debit up to two working days before the next scheduled payment.
To cancel a direct debit, please email the Rates team.
Any remaining credit as a result of your direct debit will remain on the account and will be applied to the next invoice.
Examples - how your direct debit is calculated
You choose to pay monthly by direct debit and your account is up to date.
For example:
Setup month: November
Instalment 2 (February): $2,100
Instalment 1 (August): $2,100
Total for the rating year: $4,200
There are nine months remaining until the next August instalment.
$4,200 ÷ 9 months = $467 per month
These payments build credit so when each instalment is due, there is enough credit on the account. No lump sum payment is required.
You set up a direct debit when there is an amount still owing from your previous rates instalment.
For example:
Setup month: September
Outstanding balance from instalment 1 (August): $2,100
Next instalment 2 (February): $2,100
Next instalment 1 (August): $2,100
Total to be covered through payments: $6,300
Months remaining until August: 11
$6,300 ÷ 11 months = approximately $572.72 per month
Frequently asked questions
The direct debit is designed to build credit ahead of instalment dates, so your instalments are paid off when they fall due.
Payments may be higher if you joined part-way through the year or had a balance owing, as your payments are calculated over a smaller period and build credit towards future instalments.
Yes, you can set up a new direct debit at any time, and it will replace your existing one.
Yes, you are free to make manual payments at your discretion - however please let us know so we can recalculate your direct debit.
If a payment dishonours, what happens next depends on your direct debit type:
Weekly or fortnightly direct debit
Your direct debit amount will be recalculated to make up for the missed amount. You will receive correspondence confirming this new amount.
Monthly direct debit
The payment will be reattempted within the next five working days. If unsuccessful, your direct debit amount will be recalculated, and this new amount will apply from the following month.
Due date or annual direct debit
The payment will be reattempted within the next five working days.
Please note: after three consecutive dishonours, your direct debit will be automatically cancelled. You will receive a letter advising you of this, and a new direct debit will need to be set up.
Regional Council rates
Since 1 July 2022, Tauranga City Council no longer be collects rates on behalf of Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Find out more about BOP Regional Council rates
Set up a direct debit now
Set up a land rates direct debit
Set up a water rates direct debit
If you would like a pdf version of the direct debit form, please email ratesadmin@tauranga.govt.nz