People paying in full by August 15 will get a 4 per cent discount. The first of four instalments is due anyway by August 15. Failure to pay it results in the whole lot becoming due, accruing a monthly penalty of 20 per cent if it is not paid.
The Commissioner for ACT Revenue, Gordon Faichney, said that people finding it difficult to pay should contact the ACT Revenue Office to see if they are eligible for assistance or to work out a better payment schedule.
Land tax (on properties not owner-occupied) will be payable by instalments this year for the first time. Payment by instalments will result in an administrative charge of 4 per cent of the assessment.
In past years the 20 per cent rate has drawn criticism when compared with commercial rates and the 4 per cent discount, but the rate has not changed.
The ACT Liberal Party has received 1200 calls on its abortion-funding hotlines, and will keep the lines open until the end of the week.
The question “”Do you agree that ACT ratepayers’ money should be used to refurbish a government building for use by a private abortion clinic?” can be answered Yes by dialling 0055 12417 and No by dialling 0055 12418.
A spokesperson for the Leader of the Opposition, Kate Carnell, said the Liberal Party was interested in consultation and what the public wanted rather than supporting one or other side of the issue.