Rates Exemptions and Concessions
Introduction to Rates Relief
The City of Wanneroo recognizes that some property owners may face financial challenges in meeting their rates obligations. To provide support, the City offers various exemptions, concessions, and rebates that can significantly reduce the amount of rates payable on eligible properties.
This comprehensive guide explains the different types of rates relief available, eligibility criteria, application processes, and important information about maintaining your concession status.
Understanding Rates Relief Options
Rates relief comes in several forms:
- Concessions: Percentage reductions on rates for eligible individuals (pensioners, seniors)
- Rebates: Partial or full rate reductions for eligible organizations (charities, non-profits)
- Exemptions: Complete waiver of rates for specific property types or uses
- Deferrals: Postponement of rate payments until a later date
Each type of relief has specific eligibility requirements and application processes outlined in this guide.
Pensioner and Senior Concessions
Pensioner Rate Concession
The State Government-funded Pensioner Rate Concession provides substantial savings for eligible pensioners:
Concession Amount
- Up to 50% discount on general rates (subject to maximum cap)
- Up to 50% discount on Emergency Services Levy (ESL)
- Up to 50% discount on water service charges (if applicable)
- Maximum annual concession: Currently $725 (subject to annual State Government review)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Pensioner Rate Concession, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a current Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia (Centrelink) or the Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Be the registered property owner (your name must be on the Certificate of Title)
- Occupy the property as your principal place of residence
- Not operate a business from the property (home office for personal use is acceptable)
- Be solely or jointly liable for paying the rates
Accepted Pensioner Concession Cards
The following Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Cards are accepted:
- Age Pension Card
- Disability Support Pension Card
- Carer Payment Card
- Parenting Payment (Single) Card
- Department of Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card (Gold Card holders)
Note: Low Income Health Care Cards, Commonwealth Seniors Health Cards, and Pensioner Health Benefit Cards do NOT qualify for the pensioner rates concession.
Seniors Rate Concession
Western Australian seniors may also be eligible for rate concessions:
State Seniors Card Concession
- Available to holders of a WA Seniors Card
- Concession amount varies (typically less than pensioner concession)
- Must meet residency and occupancy requirements
- Check current concession rates with the City as amounts are subject to change
How to Apply for Pensioner/Senior Concessions
First-Time Application
- Gather required documents:
- Copy of your current Pensioner Concession Card (front and back)
- Proof of property ownership (rates notice or title document)
- Proof of residency at the property (utility bill, driver's license)
- Complete application form:
- Download from www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Pick up from the Civic Centre
- Request by phone: (08) 9405 5000
- Submit your application:
- Online: Upload documents through MyWanneroo portal
- Email: rates@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Mail: City of Wanneroo, PO Box 21, Wanneroo WA 6946
- In person: 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065
- Wait for approval: Processing typically takes 5-10 business days
- Receive confirmation: You'll be notified in writing once approved
- Concession applied: Discount appears on your next rates notice
Automatic Renewal
In most cases, your concession will automatically renew if:
- Your concession card remains valid
- You continue to occupy the property as your principal residence
- Your ownership status hasn't changed
The City verifies eligibility annually with Services Australia. However, you're responsible for notifying the City if your circumstances change.
Maintaining Your Concession
To keep your concession active, you must:
- Keep your Pensioner Concession Card current (renew through Centrelink or DVA before expiry)
- Notify the City immediately if you move out of the property
- Inform the City if you sell or transfer the property
- Update the City if your card number changes
- Respond to any verification requests from the City
Deferred Rates for Seniors
If you're a senior struggling with rates payments, you may be eligible to defer payment:
Rates Deferment Scheme
How It Works
- Eligible seniors can postpone payment of their rates
- Deferred rates accumulate as a debt against the property
- Interest accrues on the deferred amount at a concessional rate (currently 5.25% per annum, subject to change)
- The debt becomes payable when the property is sold, transferred, or upon the owner's death
Eligibility Requirements
- Be aged 65 years or older
- Own the property (or hold life tenancy)
- Occupy the property as your principal place of residence
- Have equity in the property sufficient to cover deferred rates plus interest
- Maintain the property and pay other statutory charges (e.g., water rates)
Application Process
- Contact the Rates team to discuss your eligibility
- Complete the Rates Deferment Application form
- Provide supporting documentation:
- Proof of age (birth certificate, driver's license)
- Proof of property ownership
- Proof of residency
- Financial information (if required)
- Submit application for Council approval
- If approved, sign a legal agreement
- Rates deferment begins from the next billing period
Important Considerations
- Interest compounds annually on the outstanding balance
- The total deferred amount (rates plus interest) will reduce your estate's value
- You must continue to pay any non-rate charges (water usage, special levies)
- The City may review your eligibility annually
- You can cease the deferment arrangement at any time
Charitable and Non-Profit Organization Rebates
Eligible charitable, religious, and community organizations may qualify for rates rebates:
Types of Organizations Eligible
Full Rebate (100%)
Organizations that may receive full rates exemption:
- Registered charities providing direct welfare services
- Religious organizations using property exclusively for worship
- Public hospitals and aged care facilities
- Government schools and educational institutions
- Public recreation reserves and sporting clubs (community-owned)
Partial Rebate (25-75%)
Organizations that may receive partial rates rebates:
- Community service organizations
- Sporting clubs and associations
- Cultural and arts organizations
- Environmental and conservation groups
- Youth and senior citizen groups
Eligibility Criteria for Organizations
To qualify for a rates rebate, organizations must demonstrate:
- Non-profit status: Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) or similar body
- Public benefit: Activities benefit the broader Wanneroo community
- Exclusive use: Property used primarily for charitable, religious, or community purposes
- No commercial activity: Property not used for profit-making ventures (limited fundraising acceptable)
- Open access: Services or facilities reasonably accessible to community members
Application Process for Organizations
- Prepare documentation:
- Certificate of incorporation or registration
- Constitution or governing documents
- ACNC registration (if applicable)
- Financial statements (most recent year)
- Description of activities and services
- Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
- Details of property use
- Complete application form: Request from the Rates team
- Submit application: Applications are assessed annually
- Council assessment: Application presented to Council for decision
- Notification: You'll be advised of the outcome in writing
- Annual renewal: Most rebates require annual reapplication
Assessment Criteria
Council considers the following when assessing rebate applications:
| Factor | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Community Benefit | Extent of services provided to Wanneroo residents |
| Financial Need | Organization's financial capacity to pay rates |
| Property Use | Percentage of property used for eligible purposes |
| Alignment with City Priorities | How activities support City strategic objectives |
| Revenue Generation | Extent of commercial or income-generating activities |
Vacant Land and Unoccupied Property Considerations
Vacant Land
Generally, vacant land does not qualify for rate concessions. However, specific circumstances may be considered:
- Land zoned for conservation or environmental purposes
- Land subject to development restrictions
- Land held by charitable organizations for future development
Contact the Rates team to discuss specific situations.
Unoccupied Properties
Properties that are temporarily unoccupied (e.g., during renovation) generally remain liable for full rates. Concessions typically require occupancy as a principal residence.
Other Exemptions and Special Cases
Crown Land
Crown land and properties owned by State or Federal Government are typically exempt from local government rates under relevant legislation.
Contaminated Land
In rare cases, land contaminated and unable to be used may qualify for rate relief. Assessment is case-by-case and requires comprehensive documentation.
Mining Tenements
Special provisions may apply to mining tenements and exploration licenses. Contact the City for specific guidance.
Important Information for All Concession Holders
Changes in Circumstances
You must notify the City within 21 days if:
- You no longer hold a valid concession card
- You cease to occupy the property as your principal residence
- You sell or transfer the property
- You move into aged care or supported accommodation
- Your eligibility status changes for any reason
Warning: Failure to notify the City of changes may result in recovery of incorrectly applied concessions.
Joint Ownership
For jointly-owned properties:
- Only one concession can be claimed per property
- If multiple owners hold concession cards, the highest value concession applies
- All owners must agree to the concession application
Life Estates and Trusts
Pensioner concessions may be available for:
- Life tenants (those with life estate rights)
- Trust beneficiaries occupying trust-owned properties (with trustee authorization)
Additional documentation required - contact the Rates team for guidance.
Verification and Compliance
Eligibility Verification
The City conducts regular verification of concession eligibility:
- Annual automated checks with Services Australia
- Random audit of concession claims
- Property occupancy verification (as required)
Compliance Obligations
Concession holders must:
- Provide accurate and truthful information
- Respond to verification requests within specified timeframes
- Update information when circumstances change
- Renew concession cards before expiry
Consequences of Non-Compliance
If you fail to meet compliance obligations:
- Your concession will be cancelled
- You may be required to repay incorrectly claimed concessions
- Penalty interest may apply to recovered amounts
- Future concession applications may be declined
Backdating and Refunds
Backdated Concessions
In some circumstances, concessions can be backdated:
- Maximum backdating period: 12 months from application date
- You must have been eligible during the backdated period
- Required documentation must be provided for the entire period
- Backdating is at the City's discretion
Refunds
If you're entitled to a refund due to concession approval:
- Refunds are automatically credited to your rates account
- If your account is in credit, a refund cheque will be issued
- Processing time: 10-15 business days after approval
- You can request refunds be directed to a specific bank account
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a concession if I'm renting my property to someone else?
No. Concessions require you to occupy the property as your principal place of residence. Investment properties do not qualify for pensioner or senior concessions.
What happens to my concession if I temporarily move out (e.g., for medical treatment)?
Temporary absences may be acceptable if you intend to return. Contact the Rates team to discuss your situation and maintain your concession eligibility.
Can I get a concession on multiple properties?
No. You can only claim a concession on one property - your principal place of residence. You cannot claim concessions on holiday homes or investment properties.
My concession card expired during the year. Can I still get the full year's concession?
Concessions only apply while your card is valid. If your card expires mid-year, you'll receive a pro-rata concession for the period the card was valid. Renew your card promptly to maintain continuous eligibility.
Contact Information
For concession inquiries and applications:
- Rates Team Phone: (08) 9405 5000
- Email: rates@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Online: www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- In Person: 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Mail: City of Wanneroo, PO Box 21, Wanneroo WA 6946
External Resources
- Pensioner Concession Card Inquiries: Services Australia 13 23 00 or www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
- DVA Concession Cards: Department of Veterans' Affairs 1800 555 254 or www.dva.gov.au
- WA Seniors Card: 1800 671 233 or www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au