Rates Rebate
The Rates Rebate Scheme aids in the form of a Rebate (i.e. a deduction from a ratepayer's rates account) for those on low incomes, to assist in meeting the cost of their rates.
As a Ratepayer, you can apply for a Rates Rebate if you were the legal ratepayer for the property where you were usually living on 1 July. To qualify as a Ratepayer, your name must be on the Rates invoice.
To be eligible you need to declare the income that you, and any spouse, partner or joint homeowner living with you on 1 July, received for the relevant (prior) financial year, 1 April to 31 March. Income must be the amount received before tax and includes some types of non-taxable income, such as certain Work and Income allowances.
Am I eligible for a Rates Rebate?
Eligibility is based on your income level, as well as the Rates you pay, and the number of dependents living with you.
Note: Check your eligibility on the Rates Rebate Entitlement Calculator on the Department of Internal Affairs website.
How do I apply for a Rates Rebate?
The Rates Rebate Scheme is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs. Rates Rebate applications are processed by local Councils and submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs on behalf of Ratepayers.
We welcome you to drop in to apply for a Rates Rebate at any one of our five locations.
When applying for a Rates Rebate, you will need to have the following information with you:
- Details of all Gross Annual Income (before tax), of the relevant (prior) financial year, 1 April to 31 March.
- Personal Tax Summary - available from Inland Revenue. Phone 0800 227 774. Please note, it can take up to 10 working days before you receive this from the IRD.
- Wages & Salary (Tax Summary from IRD/employer).
- Additional Allowances - additional to a benefit e.g. Accommodation Benefit from WINZ.
- In Work Tax Credits, minimum Family Tax Credits and Parental Tax Credits (from IRD).
- Gross Interest/Dividends earned during the relevant (prior) financial year, 1 April to 31 March.
- Rental income/shares/overseas benefits or income.
Note: If someone else will be applying on your behalf, please ensure they bring a copy of the Power of Attorney giving them permission to represent you.
Please note: If you are the owner of an owner-occupier 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 bill is and how much you pay towards it.
Can I apply for more than one Rebate?
No. Ratepayers are only entitled to one Rates Rebate, per rating year.
Can people living in retirement villages apply?
Most retirement village residents can apply if they do not own their unit, e.g. they hold a licence to occupy agreement. A separate declaration form is required to be filled in by the retirement village operator and must be included with the Rates Rebate form for submission. Contact your village operator or local council for more information.
Rates Rebate Declaration Certification - Resident of a Retirement Village Unit (printer friendly version) (PDF, 5962KB)
If you are granted a Rates Rebate Council will reduce your Rates by the amount of the rebate.
For more information visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.
