What is a rates rebate (reduction)?
It is a Government scheme to provide assistance towards rates for low income earners. The amount of rebate depends on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged, and the number of dependants you have.
- The maximum rebate is $580
- Your spouses income is taken into account (that's total household income)
- Your income for the period from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 is used for the calculation
Income does not include the following:
- Disability allowance
- Cash grants/capital payments
- War widow’s or war disablement benefits
- Medal or honour payments
- Grants for funeral expenses
- Prizes and winnings
- Family support
Am I eligible for the rate rebate?
The rebate scheme is based on low income and the level of rates you pay.
If this is you:
- Your income is low
- You pay the rates on the address that you live at
- You were living there as at 1 July 2011
- Your name is on the rates bill
You may be eligible if:
- You are single, live alone and your income is low
- Your total household income (including spouse) is less than $23,240
- Your total household income exceeds $23,240 depending on the number of dependants and the amount of your rates
- You are a couple whose only income is New Zealand Superannuation and you have no dependants
I think I am eligible - how do I apply?
Our staff are happy to help, but you must make an appointment and have all the information with you when you come in.
You can either:
You need to complete the form and either:
Complete the form, then ring (03) 941 8888 or 0800 800 169 (Banks Peninsula residents only) with proof of income and make an appointment to come into one of our service centres.
Get an authorised person to sign the form (see details on the application form) and send the form to PO Box 237, Christchurch - we will advise you of your rebate.
Making your application - what you will need
To make your application you must have:
- Your 2011/12 rate account
- Proof of income - this could be an IRD summary of earnings, certificate of earnings from your employer(s), statement of interest from your bank, details of share dividends, copy of your audited accounts if you are self employed or any combination of the above
- Proof of Work and Income payments are not required
Please note: Your application can not be processed without all the correct information.
Our staff can tell you how much your reduction will be straight away.
You can calculate your rebate by going to the Department of Internal Affairs website.
