Rates discounts, concessions and exemptions

Find information below on discounts, concessions and rebates available to eligible ratepayers in our region.

Prompt payment discount

To encourage timely payment, we offer a 5% discount on general and water rates for properties in differential rating categories 1.1 to 2.3 (inclusive). To receive the discount, your rates bill must be paid by the due date.

This discount does not apply to charges such as the public transport levy, rural fire equipment levy, gates and grids permit renewal levy, state emergency management levy, waste management charges, water consumption charges, backflow prevention device charges or trade waste charges. 

Pension concessions

If you’re a pensioner, you may be able to get a discount on your rates for your main home (principal place of residence). The discounts available for pensioners on rates and water charges are outlined below.

Available discounts 

As a pensioner, you may receive:

  • A 20% discount on rates (limits apply), funded by the State Government.
  • A 20% discount on the Emergency Management Levy, funded by the State Government.
  • A fixed rates discount, set by us each year
  • A $70 per year discount on the water infrastructure charge.

As we are not part of the South East Queensland water grid, the State Government water rebate doesn't apply.

Eligibility

To receive a pensioner discount, you must:

  • live at the property full‑time
  • be the sole owner, joint owner, part owner or life tenant of the property
  • hold one of the following:
    • a current Queensland Pensioner Concession Card (issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs)
    • a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
Pension card and veteran card example.png

A life tenancy can only be created through a valid will and takes effect after the property owner passes away, or through a Supreme or Family Court order.

How to apply

To apply for the pensioner discount:

  • Call us on 131 872 or visit a Customer Service Centre to submit your application.
  • Bring proof of your pension with you.
  • Apply before the due date on your rates or water notice. Applications received after the due date will not be eligible for a discount until the next rating period.

Once approved, you don’t need to reapply unless:

  • you sell your property and buy another one within the Toowoomba Regional Council area (applications apply to one property only); or
  • your pension eligibility changes.

Rates exemption for community organisations

Community organisations may be eligible for a rate exemption under our Rate Exemption for Community Organisation Policy.

The exemption applies to all rates except utility charges and you can apply at any time throughout the year.

Apply now