Rebates

What is a rates rebate?

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the government to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates. Local councils administer the scheme and are reimbursed by the government for all rate rebates.

Do you qualify for a rates rebate?

To be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2011/12 rating year:

You must be the legal ratepayer for the property that was your home on 1 July 2011
You must pay rates for the home in which you live
It must not principally be used for commercial, industrial, business or farming purposes.

The amount of any rates rebate is based on three factors:

The amount of your annual rates levy
The total income received by you and your partner
The number of dependants residing on the property.

In most cases the income threshold for the maximum rates rebate of $580 will be $23,240, although the income threshold increases by $500 for each dependant in the household.

If you provide these three details to Council by telephone or over the counter at one of our offices, we can quickly calculate whether you qualify for a rates rebate, and if so, how much you would be entitled to.

You can also use the calculator on the rates rebates website at www.ratesrebates.govt.nz to determine any entitlement.

How and when do I apply?

You can apply for a rates rebate by bringing in to Council:

Your rates assessment or rates invoice for your residential property showing you as the legal ratepayer
Information about your total income before tax for the year ended 31 March 2011 including interest/dividends and Work and Income benefits
Details of your partner’s/joint homeowner’s income if he/she lives with you.

Although you can apply for a rates rebate at any time, there will be long queues at Council offices if you wait until the period just before rates are due. Because you can claim a rates rebate in advance of paying your rates, we recommend that you come into one of the Council offices from early August to make your rates rebate application. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2012.

Where can I get a rates rebate application form?

Rates rebate application forms are available from Council offices or from the rates rebates website at www.ratesrebates.govt.nz or you can ask us to post one out to you. If you received a rates rebate for the last rating year, you will automatically be sent a rates rebate application form again this year. You can expect to receive this in early August.

You can bring your completed form in to our Blenheim or Picton office, or we can help you complete the form if you prefer. Please remember that your signature must be witnessed, either by a Council staff member or another qualified person as listed on the application form.

PDF Document. Information on rates rebate scheme (61 Kb)