Rates

Rates Rebate

In 2006 the Government announced a substantial update to its Rates Rebate Scheme, increasing the income limit so more people would be eligible.

The scheme was first introduced in the 1970s and the numbers eligible had slowly dwindled as the income limits failed to move in line with inflation and benefit rates.

The new income limit still applies for the 2007/2008 rating year.  In the 2006/2007 rating year, rebates were granted to more than 1,000 Upper Hutt ratepayers.

You might be eligible for a rates rebate if:

• you are the ratepayer for the property where you reside (subject to certain conditions)
• you have lived there since at least 1 July 2007
• your total household income (before tax) is low.

Although the general income limit is $20,000, you might still qualify for a rebate with an income of up to $32,000 if you have dependants and/or depending on your level of rates.

To apply, collect an application form from the Council or if you have access to the internet, visit the Department of Internal Affairs website - www.ratesrebate.govt.nz

Completed forms must be signed in front of one of the authorised people listed on the form and returned to the Council’s Rates Department, who will put the application details into the Department of Internal Affairs database.  When the application is approved, a credit is passed to the ratepayer’s account.  This may result in one or more instalments being a credit balance.  Ratepayers should continue paying the instalment total until the rebate credit is passed.

Council Rates and Finance staff are happy to assist you and will visit your home if you are unable to get out.

Ratepayers have until 30 June 2008 to apply.