Rates Rebates

The following offers a brief overview on how the rates rebate scheme operates. It is important to note that applications CANNOT be processed until after the rates accounts are sent out in early August of each year.

Background

• Maximum rebate is $530.
• Income threshold increased is $21,180 (Note: Your income can be greater than $21,180 and you may still be eligible for a rebate. Please check with the Rating Department). 
• Additional income allowance for dependants is $500 per dependant. 
• You must be the ratepayer on our records AND reside at the address for which you wish to apply for a rebate – as at 1 July 2008. 
• Rebates are intended for residential properties only. Properties used principally for commercial, industrial or farming purposes are not eligible.
• Although a ratepayer’s income might exceed the income threshold a rates rebate could still be available, depending on the rates amount and number of dependants. If in doubt please contact the rates department.
• If you are granted a rates rebate Council will reduce your rates by the amount of the rebate, or send you a refund if you have already paid your rates in full for the rating year.
• The total rates payable includes those due to the West Coast Regional Council. Note however that for the Grey District, applications can only be processed by the Grey District Council. You will need to arrange payment of your regional council rates in the normal manner.

Information Required to Process Application

In order to process a rates rebate application you will need to advise your TOTAL income BEFORE TAX for the year of 1 April 2007 to 31 March 2008. Total income declared must include income of spouse/partner if they are resident at the address on 1 July 2008.

Potential sources of income that need to be taken into account are:

• New Zealand Superannuation
• Work and Income Benefit
• Wages or Salary
• Personal Superannuation
• Interest
• Share earnings
• Profit before tax from any business (incl. Rental income)
• ACC earnings compensation
• Veteran’s pension
• Family Assistance
• plus others

Examples of types NOT included:

• Bonus Bond/Lottery prizes
• Family Support
• Funeral Benefits
• Lump Sum payments from ACC, Insurance
• plus other capital sources

If you do not already know what your total income before tax is, you will need to contact the organisation(s) you have received the income from (eg employer, bank etc….) to find out.

Please contact the Council’s Rates Department on 03 769 8605 if you have any questions.

Applications can be processed after the 1st instalment notices have been sent out in early August of each year.

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