Assistance of up to $550 may be available if your income is under or around $21,910 p.a.
Introduction:
The rate rebate scheme provides a subsidy to low income home owners and ratepayers on the cost of their rates. The scheme was established by the Rates Rebate Act 1973 and has operated over the past 22 years. The eligibility thresholds were reviewed effective from 1 July 2006 and now provide assistance to many more households. A rebate is required to be claimed during the rate year for which it is payable, therefore claims cannot be made for past rate years.
Eligibility Criteria and Rebate Formula:
The application process will first establish that
-
you pay the rates on the address that you live at, and
-
you were living there at the start of the rating year (1 July 2009)
-
your name is on the rates bill
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.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, Council staff will be able assist you to complete the application form and calculate your entitlement using the formula that considers
-
your gross income for the preceding tax year ending 31 March 2009
-
the amount of rates you are required to pay
-
the number of dependants in the household
Testing your eligibility:
You are able to check your eligibility for a rebate by
-
click on the link below to go to the Department of Internal Affairs Rate Rebate website - enter your income, rates and number of dependants into the calculator to estimate your rebate entitlement
-
-
contacting Council’s Rates Department (06) 838-7309 and one of our staff will be able to confirm your entitlement.
What should I do if I think I am eligible for a rebate?
Although this is a Government Scheme all claims are made to the Local Council to whom the rates are payable.
You may need to bring with you details of your gross income for the tax year ending 31 March 2009 including details of interest, dividends etc. Please refer to the table below:
|
Source of Income
|
Evidence to bring
|
| Interest & Dividends. |
Bank or company tax certificates. |
| Any payment from WINZ (Work & Income) for the full year. |
No evidence needed. |
| Payment from WINZ (Work & Income) for the part of the year only. |
Confirmation of amount received. |
| Employment. |
Gross income for tax year ending on 31 March 2009. Your employer or IRD can provide this. |
| Self Employment. |
Accounts for the tax year ending on 31 March 2009. Your accountant or tax agent can provide this. |
How long will it take to process my application?
Generally speaking a typical application will take around 15 minutes and confirmation of the outcome will be given at the end of the process.
The changes made to the schemes income thresholds from 1 July 2006 opened the rebate up to more people in the Wairoa District. The Council has plans in place to manage the additional work these applications generate during July/August.
When to apply:
If you received a rebate in the previous year we will write to you near the end of June to advise the procedure for the next years’ rebates.
Rebates will be issued from August 2009 through to 30 June 2010. You do not need to pay your rates on the day that you get your rebate.
You can print and complete the following application form to apply:
What information do I need to bring?
Bring your latest rates assessment if you have received it, and details of your income for the year ending 31 March 2009 (refer to the income table above). 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.
Where to apply:
You may apply for a rates rebate at the Council’s Administration Offices - Queen Street, Wairoa.
Is an appointment necessary?
Yes. Phone Customer Services on (06) 838-7309. Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-12pm.
How long will it take?
Provided you have all the information we need, rates rebate interviews should take less than 15 minutes. If you are self employed or have overseas income allow a bit longer.
If you have any questions regarding the rebate scheme, or the application process please contact the Council’s Rates Department on (06) 838-7309.
