Howdy Mary
We already charge for copies of rate notices for preceding years, especially where we are required to go back for a number of years. Generally we receive the request. Notify the customer of what the estimated charge will be and get them to pay by credit card over the phone once the search is complete. We don’t get that many requests so it is not a great problem.
I know we have spoken on the subject of charging for changing ownership details before.
Given that the legislation is silent than yes I agree it may be possible to raise this charge. However unlike Queensland NSW does not have this legislation in place. So am I correct in assuming that the charge is going to be subject to GST?
If the charge is subject to GST then it couldn’t be included on the rate notice. It would need to have a debtor account raised and sent out with recovery taken if not paid.
Hope this helps.
Trevor
