I know this was discussed briefly in a previous village catch up, but I was wondering who, if anyone, charges a customer for refunds where they have overpaid their rate account? 

Mareeba don't charge for refunds, but we are looking at implementing a minimum amount credit balance allowed for the refund.  Following is a draft clause for our next revenue statement::  

If requested by the ratepayer, Council will only refund payments of rates and charges if the property has a credit balance of $1,000 or greater. However, if a property has a credit balance and is listed for sale, Council will refund the credit even if the credit balance is less than $1,000.  There will be no refunds of payment if the property has a debit balance.

We don't at Douglas Shire 

Thanks, Lara. I'm guessing that would be a factor in wanting to have a limit of $1000. Ipswich charges quarterly. However I did speak to the team yesterday and the person who processes the refunds would love a minimum limit of $1000 :) There is talk of something along those lines or only allowing 1 refund in a 12-month period. She has 'serial refunders', requesting a refund pretty much every quarter for amounts under $200. They have a recurring BPAY payments in place, then want the extra back after due date.