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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 rates. For 2026–27 the cap is 2.75%, and Knox's budget raises the average general rate by exactly that much; the council did not apply for a higher cap. The cap applies to the average across all properties, so your own bill can rise or fall by more. Your notice also carries a separate Residential Garbage Charge, which is not covered by the cap. Rates notices go out at the start of August.

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: +2.75% (the state cap)The budget sets general rates at $131.54 million, the maximum the cap allows (base average rate $1,809.46, capped at $1,859.22). The rate cap was set by the Minister for Local Government under the Fair Go Rates System. The budget lists no municipal charge.
Residential Garbage Charge
$434.55 a year (standard service)Up $19.40 (4.7%) from $415.15 in 2025–26. Covers an 80-litre rubbish bin, a 240-litre recycling bin, a 240-litre food and garden bin, hard waste and bundled branches, and is set at full cost recovery, including the state landfill levy. It isn't covered by the rate cap. Homes that have opted out of food and garden collection pay $284.30. A 120-litre rubbish bin costs $48.80 extra.All waste charges →
How your general rates are calculated
Capital Improved Value × 0.0014826 (residential)Other rates in the dollar: commercial and vacant land 0.0037066, industrial 0.0039290, retirement village 0.0011120, derelict land 0.0044479. For example, a home valued at $750,000 pays $1,111.95 in general rates, before other charges. The residential rate in the dollar is 2.1% lower than in 2025–26, while the total value of residential land rose 6.3%. The Valuer-General revalues all properties every year, as at 1 January.How rates are calculated →
When it's due
4 instalments (30 Sep 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Feb 2027, 31 May 2027), or in full by 15 Feb 2027Or 9 monthly instalments from 30 September 2026 to 31 May 2027. If you miss the first instalment, the whole amount is due by 15 February 2027. Flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments can be set up through the council's Payble service.Payment options →
Interest on overdue rates
Penalty interest rate — currently 10% a year (Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983); check your noticeThe council says interest is charged on arrears and late payments from the due date until paid, and may still apply while you are on a payment plan.Payment plans & hardship →
Pensioner concessions
50% off council rates and charges, up to $272.20 (council's figure for 2026–27), plus a $75 council rebateFor Pensioner Concession Card and some DVA Gold Card holders who live at the property; health care and seniors cards are not accepted. You need to apply. Eligible pensioners also get $50 off the ESVF. The council cut its own rebate from $100 in 2025–26 to $75 in 2026–27. Several other Victorian councils give the 2026–27 state maximum as $272.70, so check the amount on your notice.Concessions →
Also on your notice: ESVF
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund — a state levyThe council collects it for the Victorian Government. It replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on 1 July 2025. It isn't council revenue and isn't covered by the rate cap.About the ESVF →

In the budget, total rates and charges rise 4.6%, from $154.3 million (2025–26 forecast) to $161.5 million: general rates rise 3.8% and the Residential Garbage Charge revenue rises 9.5%. So compare your whole notice, not just the general rates line. Figures come from the adopted 2026–27 budget (section 4.1.1) and the council's rates pages.

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.