About the levy
The Fire Services Levy is a State Government charge that helps to pay for the fire services provided by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Country Fire Authority (CFA).
While we collect this property levy through your council rates notice, the Fire Services Levy goes direct to the State Government, not to us.
Why the levy was introduced
From 1 July 2013, councils in Victoria became responsible for collecting the Fire Services Property Levy through Council rates notices.
The Victorian Government introduced this levy in response to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission's recommendation to replace the old insurance-based levy with a new property-based levy.
This means that all property owners contribute to the cost of fire brigade services, not just those who have insurance.
Who pays the levy
All property owners pay the property-based fire services levy, whether or not they have insurance.
Some properties that are exempt from paying council rates - like schools, churches and some charities - also have to pay the levy.
How you pay the levy
The levy will be clearly shown on your rates notice and you can pay it either annually or in instalments.
How the levy is calculated
To find out more about how the levy is calculated visit the State Revenue Office's Fire Services Property Levy webpage.