Emily Clarke

Do I Have to Pay My Council Rates?

Living in any community requires you to chip in. Whether you're in a huge city or a small village, you must contribute your fair share to take advantage of all the amenities local governments provide. In some places around the world, annual income and sales tax take care of things like schools, road upkeep, etc. But in others, you need to pay a council tax.

A council rate is a special type of tax charged on a piece of real estate by the local government. Typically, you must pay council rates once annually. That tax goes to funding services that directly impact your quality of life. For example, council rates often pay for libraries, street maintenance, park upkeeping and more.

If you need payment assistance for council rates, you're not alone. Because these fees only come once a year, many don't fit them into the budget. So when it comes time to pay up, you may be strapped for cash.

But have you ever wondered what happens if you just don't pay your council rates?

What Happens if You Ignore Council Rates?

It's important to remember what council rates are. They're your fair share to create a great community for everyone. Failing to pay your dues is like taking advantage of your neighbors. You still use the things that council rates pay for, but you're not contributing like everyone else is.

When people don't pay council rates, it puts unnecessary strain on local budgets. That could directly affect the quality of the items they fund, resulting in a lack of maintenance and basic amenities.

If you fail to get payment assistance for council rates when they're due, you'll meet steep penalties and fees. Fees can accumulate the longer you don't pay. Plus, you may have to pay interest on the balance due. The total will climb over time, so getting assistance as soon as possible is important. If you ignore this responsibility outright, your council could take legal action against you. That will cost you even more in the long run.

Author Resource:-

Emily Clarke writes about cash advances, overdraft protection & finance apps. You can find her thoughts at same day cash advance blog.