Rates are a tax on the value of your property. Rates provide around half of Council's income and this money pays for new roads, stormwater systems, libraries, water pipes, parks and reserves and so on.

Why do we pay rates in South Africa?

Why are rates charged? Municipalities need a reliable source of revenue to provide basic services and perform their functions. Revenue from property rates is used to fund services that benefit the community as a whole.

What are land rates for?

The major source of income for Council is the income provided by a tax on property owners based on the value of their properties. This tax is known as "Rates". Rates are calculated on the land valuation of a property which is multiplied by a 'rate in the dollar'. ...