How do I pay rates?

Internet or telephone banking

• Use your bank's online or telephone banking services.
• You'll need to quote our bank details (BNZ, Hamilton Branch, account number: 02 0316 0030142 06), In the particulars field you need to put the word RATES, in the code field you need your rates number i.e (12456), and in the reference field you need as much of your property's address that will fit - as per the example shown below:

Direct Debit

• Set up a direct debit with your bank so you don't need to worry about remembering to pay. A direct debit will automatically deduct the amount required to clear the rates up until the end of the rating year, at the specified frequency. This is Council's preferred payment method. Download a form here, and return it to our office for processing, or contact the Rates Department for a form to be sent.
• Direct Debit payment form
• Direct debits can be made weekly (Thursdays), Fortnightly (every second Thursday), Monthly (the last business day of each month) or Quarterly on the due date of each rates instalment.
  

Are there any additional charges if I opt to pay by direct debit?

Council does not charge any additional fee if paying by direct debit, however your bank may charge you a small set up fee

What do I do with the drect debit form?

Once the direct debit form is completed return it back to the Hamilton City Council Rates Department, Private Bag 3010, Hamilton 3240. Hamilton City Council is a  'preferred initiatior' which means that we control the direct debit.

Am I notified when the direct debit is set up?

Yes, a confirmation letter will be sent once the form is received and the direct debit set up

Does the direct debit amount change as needed?

Yes, each August we recalculate the direct debits to ensure that the payment amount is exactly what is required to clear the rates by the end of the rating year. If you are paying by weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit, you  will receive a letter in August advising you of the change. If you are paying direct debit quarterly, the payment amount will be that as shown on the rates invoice.

I have multiple properties, do I need to complete a direct debit form for each?

Yes

I have changed my bank details, what do I do?

Please contact us as soon a possible to advise of any changes. Small changes can by done via a phone call or email, however if you want to change the full bank account number, a new direct debit form will need to be completed.

I need to cancel my direct debit, how do I do this?

Please contact the Hamilton City Council directly to cancel you direct debit. Do not cancel via your bank as this may potenially affect other payments.

I am selling my house and purchasing another, will my exisiting direct debit be moved to my new property?

No, the direct debit is property specific, therefore the exisiting direct debit will need to be cancelled, and a new direct debit form will need to be completed for your new property

Automatic Payment 

Payments can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. As a minimum, the purpose of an automatic payment will be to clear the rates by the end of the current rating year, been 30 June. 

An automatic payment can be set up either by:

- contacting the Rates Department on 07 838 6688 or email rates@hcc.govt.nz . A member of the Rates Team can calculate the amount required and  send you an automatic payment form .

- set up directly with your bank. The Bank account details and payment format is shown above in the Internet banking section of this page. If you set this up directly with your bank it is important that you notify the Rates Team when this is in place as they will need to ensure this is arrangement is noted to avoid penalties been applied or reminder letters sent. 

Once an automatic payment is in place it is your responsibility to manage. We suggest that you contact the Rates Department each July to ensure that the amount of the payment is sufficient to clear the rateas for the rating year.

Please note that your bank may charge a fee when setting up or amending an automatic payment. 

Contact

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Rates Counter
Ground Floor, Council Offices
Garden Place
Hamilton City Council
Private Bag 3010
Hamilton 3240
Phone: 838 6688
Fax: 838 6458

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