A local ratepayer is fuming at being slugged more in his general rates – all for having a post office box.

Olivier Fillon, from Samford, said he was shocked to discover Moreton Bay Regional Council had overcharged him around $200 on his latest rates notice.

He and other ratepayers across the region have been overcharged by Council because their homes were wrongly assumed to be investment or rental properties.

In a letter sent to his local councillor Bob Millar (Division 11), Mr Fillon argued his house had been incorrectly identified as a non-owner occupied property.

“I do suggest that the extent of the research has been: ‘mailing address is PO box so the mailing address is different from the property one, (therefore) they are not living there’,” he wrote.

“The onus is on me to do your work and prove to you that I actually live here, and all that under 30 days while still paying the extra amount. It’s a bit like being put in jail and then having to prove you’re innocent to get out.”

Mr Fillon said the “level of incompetence” surrounding the incident was “staggering”.

“This property has never been rented for the last 10 years that I know of and any, I mean any, search would have given you (Council) your answer,” he said.

“It is another blatant trial at sneaky extortion and if any poor bugger is not aware, all the best for the coffer.”

Ratepayers Action Group  President Dennis Austen confirmed some residents had being charged the rate reserved for investors and landlords.

“If you have your rates sent to a post office box you will be charged 25 per cent more on your general rates, as a investor,” he said.

Mayor Allan Sutherland said letters have been posted to ratepayers charged the incorrect rate. They have 30 days from the issue date of their rates notice to pay the correct rate and lodge an objection.

Mr Austen said that was unacceptable.

“According to staff they were too busy to check the electoral roll and as a result you have been forced to do their work for them,” he said.

“Council should have enclosed a special letter explaining why the investor rate was charged.”

Under Council’s new rates scheme introduced on 1 July, the minimum yearly rate for residential properties is $660, compared to $825 for rental homes.