Rates Rebates

Are you eligible for a rates rebate for the 2023/2024 rating year?

The Rates Rebate Scheme provides for a rebate on rates of up to $750 to low-income homeowners. This page offers a brief overview on how the rates rebate scheme operates.

Background & criteria

The maximum rebate is $750.
The income abatement threshold for a non-dependant household is $30,000. (Note: Your income can be greater than ($30,000) and you may still be eligible for a pro-rata rebate or full rebate).
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 2023.
Rebates are intended for residential properties only. Properties used principally for commercial, industrial or farming purposes or in the name of a business are not eligible.
Although a ratepayer's income might exceed the income abatement 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 credit the rebate to your rates account.

If you currently pay your rates by direct debit your direct debit will automatically be adjusted when your rebate is granted.

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 and if you are successful, the rebate will be applied towards your Grey District Council rates only. You will need to arrange payment of your regional council rates in the normal manner.

Applying for a rates rebate

Applications for the current rating year can be made from 1 August.

Those homeowners who received a rebate in the 2022/2023 year will automatically be sent a form. Otherwise come in to Council offices to collect an application form.

NOTE: Applications CANNOT be processed until after the rates accounts are sent out in early August of each year.

Information required to process a rebate 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 2022 to 31 March 2023. Total income declared must include the income of spouse/partner if they are residing at the address on 1 July 2023.

Income includes (but is not limited to):

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, ie Working for Families tax credits
plus others

Examples of types NOT included:

Bonus Bond/Lottery prizes
Family Support
Funeral Benefits
Lump Sum payments from ACC, Insurance
Family Tax Credit
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.

Contact us

For further information or assistance regarding rates, please contact the Rating Department, phone 03 769 8605 or email rates@greydc.govt.nz, or visit www.govt.nz.