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Rates & fees

Rates & fees

Rates pay for most council services. In Victoria, the state sets a yearly cap on how much a council can raise its average general rates and municipal charge. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Benalla's adopted budget raises its average general rate and municipal charge by 2.75%. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more, depending on how your property's value moved compared with others. Waste charges aren't capped: the budget raises existing waste charges by 5% and runs waste as a full cost-recovery service.

New to these terms? Read them in plain English
Pensioner rebate
A discount on rates for eligible pensioners.
See the full explainer, with formulas →

Rates at a glance

2026–27 rate rise
Average general rate and municipal charge: +2.75% (cap 2.75%)The budget's rate-cap table (section 4.1.1(l)) gives a base average rate of $2,185.25 and a capped average rate of $2,245.34 per rateable property, across 8,651 assessments. Budgeted general rates and municipal charge revenue is $19,422,533.2026/27 Budget (PDF) →
How your rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × rate in the dollar, plus a $294 municipal chargeSeven differential rates for 2026–27 (budget section 4.1.1(b)), as a share of CIV: General 0.003410; Residential (Rural Township) 0.002583; Business 0.005308; Vacant Land (Benalla) 0.004444; Vacant Land (Rural Township) 0.003751; Rural 1 0.002474; Rural 2 0.001929. Properties are put in a category mainly by approved land use and zoning. The municipal charge rises from $286 to $294. Farmers running several properties as one enterprise can apply for a single farm enterprise exemption.Differential rating categories →
Waste service charges (2026–27)
Urban from $445.50 (80 L organics + 80 L waste + recycling); rural from $445.50 (80 L waste + recycling)Charges depend on your bin sizes. For example, urban 120 L organics + 120 L waste with recycling is $643.00 (up from $612.50), and rural 120 L waste with recycling is $643.00. An additional organics bin is $294, waste bin $235 and recycling bin $250.50 a year (budget section 4.1.1(i)). These charges aren't covered by the rate cap.Budget section 4.1.1 →
When it's due
4 instalments: 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 MayRates, charges and the ESVF are paid by four instalments. Pay by BPAY, at Australia Post, by phone (13 18 16), online via Post Billpay, by mail (cheque to PO Box 227, Benalla VIC 3671), in person at the Customer Service Centre, or by direct debit. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly payment plans are available.Rates payments →
Interest on overdue rates
10% a year, accruing dailyThe council says rates and the ESVF not paid by the due date bear interest at 10% a year, accruing daily until paid. Ratepayers on a direct debit arrangement aren't charged penalty interest while the arrangement is in place.Penalty interest →
Pensioner concession
Up to $272.70 off council rates, plus $50 off the ESVFFor holders of a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA Gold Card (War Widow/er or TPI) who live at the property and are responsible for the account. Not available to Health Care Card holders. Concessions carry over automatically if you are still eligible.Pensioner concession →
Financial hardship
Payment plans, deferral, direct debit or extra time to payCall 03 5760 2600 to discuss your situation. The council has a Financial Hardship Policy.Financial support →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state taxThe council collects it for the Victorian Government and says it raises no revenue from it. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on 1 July 2025 and isn't covered by the rate cap. ESVF support line: 1300 819 033.About the ESVF →

The 2026–27 figures come from the budget the council adopted on 24 June 2026 (section 4.1.1). The council's rates pages give instalment months without a year, and the concession and interest details. Check your own notice for your figures.

Sources — check it yourself

Figures are current as at the dates shown and may change — always confirm with the linked source. See the notice at the bottom of the page for full details and how to report a correction.