If you pay your rates as a lump sum, you need to pay by 15 February 2027.

If the full payment is not received by 15 February 2027 interest charges will apply to the outstanding amount.

The penalty interest rate, set by the Minister for Local Government, is 10%.

We offer quarterly instalments:

• Quarterly instalments – rates are split into four payments (you choose your payment method).

Note: direct debit applications for current year's rates will not be accepted after 31 December. If the application is received after an instalment has passed, missed payment/s will be required to be paid before the direct debit can be set up.

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Quarterly Instalments Dates

To pay your rates by this method, we need to receive your first instalment payment by 30 September. If you pay after that date, it is treated as a part payment and you need to pay the rest of your rates by 15 February.

Payments must be received in four instalments by the following dates:

• Instalment 1 - Pay by 30 September
• Instalment 2 - Pay by 30 November
• Instalment 3 - Pay by 28 February
• Instalment 4 - Pay by 31 May

You can set up a direct debit for four instalments or one full payment using our Direct Debit Request Form.

Direct debit application for current years rates will not be accepted after 31 December and missed payments need to be paid by other methods.

This payment option can be easier on the budget and relieves the worry of paying on time or incurring penalty interest for late payment.

All payments are taken from your nominated bank account.

A direct debit request will be cancelled if there are three dishonoured payments in any financial year.

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How to Continue, Change or Cancel your Direct Debit Plan

You only need to sign up once and do not need to apply each year.

If your bank account details change you need to fill in a change of Direct Debit Request Form and return it to us at least 14 days before the next payment is due.

If you want to cancel your direct debit arrangement, fill in the Cancel Direct Debit for Rates form and return it to us at least 14 days before the next payment is due

Centrepay is one way you can pay your Council rates. It is a voluntary service that is free for Centrelink customers. You can use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Centrelink payment, which will be paid directly to East Gippsland Shire Council to cover your rates.

You can start, change, or stop Centrepay deductions at any time.

If you require further information that is not provided below, please visit Services Australia or contact your nearest Centrelink Service Centre.

You will need the following details to complete a request:

• Your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN)
• Your Council Reference Number (this can be found at the bottom of your rates notice)
• Our name: East Gippsland Shire Council
• Our address: 273 Main Street, Bairnsdale VIC 3875
• Our phone number: (03) 5153 9500
• Our CRN: 555 015 834V

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How to start a Centrepay Deduction

Option 1:
You can apply directly with Centrelink by visiting one of their service centres or by applying online

Option 2:
You can complete the Centrepay Deduction Authority form and return it to us:

• In person at one of our service centres
• By post to PO Box 1618, Bairnsdale VIC 3875
• By email: feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

The Deduction Authority form includes important information about Centrepay. Please read this carefully before submitting the form.

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How to Change or Cancel an Existing Centrepay Deduction

You can change or cancel your deduction at any time.

Option 1:
Visit a Centrelink Service Centre or make changes online

Option 2A:
We can cancel your deduction if you complete our Cancellation of Centrepay Deduction form

Option 2B:
We can change your deduction amount if you complete a new Centrepay Deduction Authority form

For options 2A or 2B, please return the completed form:

• In person at one of our service centres
• By post to PO Box 1618, Bairnsdale VIC 3875
• By email: feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

If the other payment options do not suit you, you can make regular payments of smaller amounts towards your rates at any time during the rating period.  

We can help you determine a suitable amount to pay that will ensure that you do not owe any rates by the final date for payment of your rates.

The earlier you start making payments, the smaller your payments can be, as they are spread across more of the year.

If your rates are already overdue there are other ways that we can help you.

Online

• Pay securely online using our Rates Payment Portal.
• BPay: Visit your bank's website to make this payment directly from your nominated account. Biller code: 125864. For the BPay Reference Number, see the payment section at the bottom of your rate notice.

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Phone

Phone 1300 321 219 to pay by Visa or MasterCard.

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Direct Debit

You can set up a direct debit for 4 instalments or one full payment using our Direct Debit Request Form.

See tab above for more details of this payment option.

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In Person

You can pay your rates at our Customer Service Centres or any Australia Post outlet.

If the payment is past the due date, you cannot pay at the Post Office.

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Mail

Payments can also be posted directly to us at:

East Gippsland Shire Council
PO Box 1618
Bairnsdale, Vic 3875

Receipts are not issued for mailed payments.

Please allow for postal delays as delivery problems will not be accepted as an excuse for late payment.

The penalty interest rate, set by the Minister for Local Government, is 10%.

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Late Payment of Lump Sum/Pay in Full

If you are not paying using one of our instalment plans or a payment arrangement, you need to pay in full by 15 February 2027.

If you do not pay in full by this date, interest charges may apply to any outstanding amount. Interest charges apply to any outstanding amount in the same manner as if the ratepayer had elected to pay by quarterly instalments.

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Late Payment of Quarterly Instalments

Penalty interest will apply on the outstanding amount. This is calculated from the due date of the instalment.

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Rates in Arrears

Penalty interest on any arrears of rate, charges or levies will continue to accrue until full payment of the outstanding amount, including interest, is received.

Non-payment of rates may incur legal fees/costs for recovery.

If your rates are already overdue there are other ways that we can help you.