Rates rebate scheme

We provide the rates rebate scheme on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs.  This scheme gives low-income homeowners a reduction off their annual rates of up to $570.  A rebate must be claimed during the current rate year, rebates cannot be claimed for past rate years.  You must apply each year for your rebate. 

You can apply for a rates rebate if:

• you pay the rates for the property, and
• you were living at that address at the beginning of the rating year, 1 July 2010, and
• your name is on the rate account, and
• your total annual income, your partner and any joint owner, is low. 

If the property is in the name of a family trust or estate, you need to bring evidence that you have a lifetime interest in the property and an obligation to pay the rates.  The rebate is calculated on your gross total income (before tax), and your partner (if any) and any joint home owner.  Once your eligibility is confirmed, customer service staff will calculate your entitlement using the formula that considers:

• your gross income (money before tax) for the tax year ended 31 March 2010
• the amount of rates you are required to pay
• the number of dependants in the household

You cannot apply for a rebate if:

• the property is a farm, or is used principally for commercial, industrial or business purposes; or
• the property is a rental property; or
• you have already applied for a rebate in the current rating year; or
• you do not qualify as the legal ratepayer.

Are you eligible

You can check your eligibility for a rebate:

• visit the Department of Internal Affairs website and use their Rate Rebate calculator.  Enter your income, rates and number of dependants into the calculator to estimate your rebate entitlement; or 
• our staff will be able to confirm your entitlement - contact customer service

How to apply

When you receive your first rates invoice in August for 2010/11, come into council to apply.  You can download the application form and fill it in, you still need to bring it into customer services.

Rates Rebate Application Form (for 2010/11 only) as 4 standard pages 120kb

Rates Rebate Application Form (for 2010/11) as 2 landscape pages 136kb

Or visit the Department of Internal Affaris website for forms and calculators

What you need to bring in with you:

• Your rates invoice in the current rating year
• Accurate information about your income (money received before tax) for the tax year ended 31 March 2010
• Accurate information about your partner or joint homeowner's income, if they were living with you on 1 July 2010.

If you are the owner of an owner-occupied flat, and your name is not on the rates bill, you must have a letter from the person whose name is on the rates bill stating what the total rates are, and how much you pay towards them.  You can fill in this form.

Owner-occupier declaration form 50kb

How long will it take to process your application?

It will take about 10-15 minutes; we will let you know the outcome at the end of the process.

We have additional staff available in August just to process your application.  We encourage you come in any day Monday to Friday between 9am-1pm.

When to apply

You must apply every rating year.  Our rating year is from 1 July to 30 June.  You will receive your first rate invoice in August each year.

Where to apply

Come into council's customer service centres, no appointment is necessary:

Fitzherbert Street - Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm
Te Puia Springs - Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm.

If you have any questions about the rebate scheme, or the application process please contact us

For more information visit the Department of Internal Affairs website www.ratesrebates.govt.nz