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Non-receipt of the demand notes does not alter the requirement that the rates must be paid by July 31 and unless so paid, ratepayers may be subject to a surcharge of five per cent under Section 22 of the Rating Ordinance.
A further surcharge of 10 per cent may be levied on the outstanding amount (including the five per cent surcharge) which remains unpaid six months after the due
date.
Ratepayers who have submitted a valid direct debit authorisation should note that if the wording "Payment To Be Made By Autopay" is shown, payment will be made by direct debit to their bank accounts on July 31.
They should then ensure that their bank accounts contain the necessary funds on that date.
If the above wording is not shown, they should pay according to the instructions as set out in the demand notes.
To save queuing time, the spokesman urged ratepayers to use the Payment by Phone Service, or pay by post using cheques or cashier orders, or by early personal attendance at any of the collection offices.
"However, the most convenient payment method is autopay," said the
spokesman.
1.
Application forms for autopay are obtainable from Treasury collection offices, District Offices and all major banks in Hong Kong or by telephoning 2845 8866.
For additional information regarding the Payment by Phone Service, please call 170 222 329.
End/Monday, July 10, 1995