Hi there,

We are preparing the paperwork (Form 14 and Certificate) to Register a Charge for unpaid rates on a number of property owners.

Has anyone done this recently?

Wondering if we need 'wet' signatures on the Form 14 and Certificate?  or if the Titles Office will accept electronic signatures.

We are intending to use the e-lodgement process, but have not done this process before.

Any assistance would be appreciated please.

Nicky

Supervisor, Corporate Services

Weipa Town Authority

Thanks very much for the reply.

This is a new process for us, and our rates recovery policy has a process step where we can register a charge against the title when all attempts have been made to recoup the unpaid rates.  These are our very long term bad rates debtors.

This step would be before we use the sale of property provisions.  Although we have not done that before either.

Hi

A charge on the land can be registered on the land title.  I have seen this with infrastructure charges, however not with overdue rates.

I would suggest further investigation on this, i.e. legal opinion with King and Co.

Regards

Christina

Hi Nicky, 

We have registered a charge on a title only once for one of our bad debtors, but it was done through our collection agency CHL and their Solicitors.  So not sure of the process to do it in house. 

This was after Claim & Statement of Claim and Judgment action, as part of the enforcement process I believe. 

Cheers

Donna 

Douglas Shire Council