Understand your rates notice
There are 2 reference numbers on your rates notice that you need for online services:
- Your 7-digit rates assessment number.
- Your eNotices reference number.
Rate capping
The Victorian Government introduced rate capping in 2015. This means councils can only increase their total rates revenue by a set percentage each year. The Minister for Local Government sets the rate cap each year. For the 2026–27 financial year, the rate cap is 2.75%.
Rate capping applies to the average increase in a council’s general rates and municipal charges. It does not apply to your individual rates bill. Instead, it limits the total amount of money a council can collect from rates overall.
Rate capping does not apply to waste collection charges or the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
On 1 July 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) was replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The ESVF is set by the Victorian Government to fund the state's emergency services. Although the ESVF appears on rates notices, it is not a Council charge for Council services.
Eligible pensioner concession card holders will receive a concession on the ESVF.
For more information on how your ESVF charge is calculated, visit the State Revenue Office Victoria website.
You can also call the ESFV support line on 1300 819 033.
Waste collection charge
On your rates notice, the waste collection charge is listed as a separate item from your rates. The charge depends on the waste services you receive.
The most common charge is the Residential Garbage Charge. This covers the collection and disposal of general waste, food and garden waste, and recycling services.
For 2026–27, the Residential Garbage Charge is $434.55 per year. This is the standard charge for all residential properties in Knox.
Residential property waste charges
Industrial or commercial property waste charges
Dorset Square property waste charges
Get your rates notice online
You can register using our online portal to receive your rates notices by email. You will no longer receive a paper rates notice.
To set up email notifications:
- enter your email address and eNotices reference number from your rates notice
- check your email inbox and select the validation link
- create a password and enter your mobile number.
After you register, you can access all previous rates notices we have sent you online and receive new rates notices by email.
Sign up for rates notice emails
Reprint your rates notice
Your rates notice is a valuable document to keep for taxes, loans, solar rebates and eNotices registration purposes.
You can request a reprint of your rates notice.
Reprinting a rates notice will incur a fee, unless you are:
- a new owner who has purchased a home in Knox in the last 12 months
- an existing owner who needs to change your mailing address
- a pensioner
- receiving your rates notices online.
You will need your 7-digit rates assessment number to submit your request.
We aim to respond to requests within 3 business days.
How to pay your rates
There are different ways to pay your rates online, over the phone and in person.
Find out more on our Pay your rates page.
How your rates are used
Rates represent approximately 70% of Knox City Council's total income. This helps fund hundreds of local services and programs that our community uses every day.
This includes:
- local roads and bridges
- sporting pavilions
- footpaths and bike paths
- maintaining Council buildings
- sports fields and training
- drainage
- parks and reserves
- car parks
- playgrounds.
Need help?
Contact us and we will come back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.
