Signing up to pay your rates by direct debit
Direct debits mean you can pay your rates the secure and easy way. A direct debit arrangement also means that you can spread the cost across the whole of the rating year until June 2024, rather than needing to pay in full by 20 October. Simply follow the three easy steps to set up a direct debit.
Set up a direct debit
Setting up a direct debit online is both simple and quick.
Please click the button below to fill out the online Direct Debit Authorisation Form. The link will take you to a property search, which will help you to automatically fill out information about your property.
You will also need to have your bank account details to hand and be comfortable with agreeing to the Direct Debit Authority terms and conditions.
Sign up to pay by direct debit
If you have a direct debit set up already but want to change your bank account details, click on the link below. You’ll just need your new bank account details handy.
Amend your direct debit bank account details
Not already signed up to pay by direct debit?
Set up a direct debit with us before 11.59pm on Saturday 30 September and you could win one of five $250 Prezzy cards*. See T&Cs for details.
If you do not have sole authority or would prefer to complete a hardcopy Direct Debit Authorisation Form please download and complete the paper version of this form and return it to us using the details on the form.
You can find out your rates for 2023-2024 using our rating information database.
* Please note: this may differ to what has been promoted in some publications. The confirmed prize is 'one of five $250 Prezzy cards'.
Properties not showing in search results
If your property does not appear in the search results, it may be that your property details are recorded differently in our systems, than what you are used to using. For example 4-10 Smith Street, rather than 10/4 Smith Street. If you know it, your property’s valuation number will return the most accurate search results.
Please download and complete the paper version of this form and return it to us using the details on the form.
Still have questions? Visit our rates information hub.
Important direct debit information
- A direct debit arrangement means payments will be calculated to be spread across the rates year, and you won’t get charged a late payment penalty.
- You can choose one of the following options to pay by direct debit: weekly or fortnightly on a Tuesday or Thursday, or monthly (on the 20th), or annually.
- Direct debit payments can be processed on any day of the week, including weekends and public holidays. All you have to do is ensure that you have enough funds in your bank account on your usual payment date.
Common direct debit questions
Direct debit means you can pay your rates invoice in regular instalments (weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annually), spread over the rates year. This is handy for budgeting and means you don’t have to worry about remembering to make a payment. It also means that you won’t get charged a penalty on any amount that is still owing after the due date for the current rates year.
Once you sign up, we’ll take the advised regular payments from your bank account. If the payment amount changes, we’ll always let you know before taking the funds from your account.
You can cancel the direct debit at any time by contacting us. You should allow at least two days before your payment is due. A penalty may apply if your rates have not been paid in full at the time of the cancellation.
An automatic payment is a regular payment that is set up and controlled by the customer, whereas a direct debit is a payment plan that has been agreed between the customer and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
Automatic payments are typically set up via online banking, and you’ll need to manually change the payment amount yourself from year to year. Direct debits are different from automatic payments as they are set up with your bank by Bay of Plenty Regional Council after you have agreed to the payment plan. Council adjusts the payment for you each year, and notifies you at least 10 working days before the amount changes.
It’s important to note that when paying your rates by automatic payment, you must pay the full amount by the due date stated on your invoice to avoid penalties.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council and your local council are two separate entities and therefore you will need a separate direct debit for each council when paying your rates.
To suspend your direct debit complete the online form.
To cancel your direct debit complete the online form.
If one of your direct debit payment happens to dishonour (for example, there isn't enough funds to cover the direct debit amount), this amount will be added back to your rates account. We will recalculate your direct debit arrangement amount to make sure that your rates account is cleared by the end of the rating year, 30 June.
To change your existing direct debit you can fill in and submit a new online direct debit form or downloadable direct debit form. As a result of completing and submitting the form, the new instructions will overwrite your current direct debit set up.