What’s the penalty if I don’t pay my rates? 05 July 2023 03:43 Updated A 10% penalty rate will be added to any rates amounts not paid by 20 October unless payment is being made by direct debit. Related articles What happens if I don’t pay on time or don’t pay my rates? Can I get my penalty removed? What happens if I owe rates through my city / district council? How will I know if I have received a penalty for not paying my rates? What do I do if I have paid my rates to the wrong council?