Time to apply for a rebate on rates

Low-income Waipā ratepayers are being encouraged to check if they are eligible to apply for a rates rebate of up to $790.

The Government’s rates rebate scheme is funded by the Department of Internal Affairs and aimed at giving eligible low-income households, and those living in retirement villages, a hand to pay council rates.

Waipā District Council administers the scheme. Finance manager Jolanda Hechter said last financial year, nearly $1 million was provided to 1353 Waipā ratepayers through the scheme.

“So far this year we have only had 800 residents apply for a rebate, we think there could be many more people out there who could benefit.”

Residents are eligible to apply if:

• the property they pay rates for is where they live
• they were living there on July 1, 2024
• their name is listed as the property ratepayer on the Rating Information Database (RID)
• the total income of the resident and their partner living at the property, and any joint homeowner, is within the income threshold of $48,000

“Though the current threshold is $48,000 - if you earn above that amount, you may still qualify for a partial rebate, depending on your living circumstances and particularly if you have dependents living with you,” Hechter said.

Applicants must know their gross annual income for the previous financial year, and have access to their Waipā District Council rates, water rates, and Waikato Regional rates notices, to apply.

“If you think you or someone you know may be eligible, send them our way. Our staff can help assess eligibility, find the information needed, and download and fill out all the forms for them. You don’t have to be good with computers or have a smartphone – we are here to do all that for you.

“And if you’ve already paid your rates in full but think you might qualify – go ahead and apply because we can refund you the rebate amount.

“We will also be running a series of drop-in days before Christmas to help those who are eligible to apply,” Hechter said.

People eligible need to reapply each year, as the rates rebates are not given automatically to people who have received them in the past.

Residents can also check if they are eligible by using the rates rebate calculator at govt.nz/rates-rebate-calculator.

To apply for a rebate for the current rating period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025), you must apply by June 30, 2025.

For more information or to download an application form, visit waipadc.govt.nz/ratesrebates.