Bay of Plenty Regional Council ratepayers will be able to set up a direct debit anytime from early July until October 19 to pay their 2022/23 rates.

A direct debit allows taxpayers to spread the cost of their rates over the year and avoid a late payment penalty.

From July 2022, Bay of Plenty Regional Council rates will no longer be charged by town or district councils.

Instead ratepayers will be billed separately by Bay of Plenty Regional Council and pay their rates directly to the Regional Council.

A statement from Bay of Plenty Regional Council said that if anyone is currently paying fares by direct debit they should set up a new direct debit for the regional council portion of fares.

“A direct debit agreement means payments will be calculated to be spread over the rate year, rather than having to be paid in full by October 20. It also means you won’t be charged a late payment penalty. “

The release says there is a wide range of frequency options and payment schedules, including weekly or bi-monthly on Tuesday or Thursday, as well as monthly on the 20th of each month, or annually.

“It’s handy for budgeting and means you don’t have to worry about remembering to make a payment.”

Direct debits could be set up from July 1 at www.boprc.govt.nz/direct-debit.

For more information taxpayers can visit www.boprc.govt.nz/rates or contact the regional council on 0800 BOP RATES (0800 267 728).

-Local Democracy Reporting is public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air