You could get a $580 rates reduction as part of the Government's rate rebate scheme to provide assistance towards rates for low income earners.
The amount of rebate depends on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged, and the number of dependants you have. The maximum rebate is $580.
What is a rates rebate (reduction)?
It is a Government scheme to provide assistance towards rates for low income earners. The amount of rebate depends on a combination of your income, the amount of rates you are charged, and the number of dependants you have.
- The maximum rebate is $580.
- Your spouses income is taken into account (that's total household income).
- Your income for the period from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 is used for this year's calculation.
Income does not include the following:
- Disability Allowance
- cash grants/capital payments
- war widow’s or war disablement benefits
- medal or honour payments
- grants for funeral expenses
- prizes and winnings
- family support.
Am I eligible for the rate rebate?
Please check the table below to assess if you may be entitled to a rebate this year. This year the maximum rebate has increased to $580.
| Level of Rates | |||||||
| Household Income | $1,000 | $1,400 | $1,800 | $2,200 | $2,600 | $3,000 | |
| $21,000 | $560.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | Rates Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,000 | $560.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | |
| $25,000 | $340.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | |
| $27,000 | $90.00 | $356.67 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | |
| $29,000 | $106.67 | $373.33 | $580.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | ||
| $31,000 | $123.33 | $390.00 | $580.00 | $580.00 | |||
| $33,000 | $140.00 | $406.67 | $580.00 | ||||
| $35,000 | $156.67 | $423.33 | |||||
| $37,000 | $173.33 | ||||||
You may be eligible if:
- you are a residential ratepayer and reside on the property,
- you resided on the property at 1 July 2011, and
- you are an individual (rather than an organisation or trust).
The amount of the rabate you may qualify for will vary according to:
- the amount of your Buller District Council rates,
- the amount of your West Coast Regional Council rates,
- the number of children or other dependents you support, and
- your household's gross income for the tax year ended 31 March 2011.
I think I am eligible - how do I apply?
Our staff are happy to help, but you must have all the information with you when you come in.
You can either:
- Download an application form
- Pick up an application form from one of our Council Customer Services teams in either Westport or Reefton.
- Phone us on 03 788 9111 or 0800 807 239 and we will post a form to you.
You need to complete the form and either:
- Complete the form with proof of income and bring it into one of our service centres.
- Get an authorised person to sign the form (see details on the application form) and send the form to PO Box 21, Westport.
Making your application - what you will need
To make your application you must have:
- Your 2011/12 rate accounts for both the Buller District Council and West Coast Regional Council.
- Proof of income - this could be an IRD summary of earnings, certificate of earnings from your employer(s), statement of interest from your bank, details of share dividends, copy of your audited accounts if you are self employed or any combination of the above.
- Proof of Work and Income payments can be obtained by visiting their reception and getting them to complete the earnings figure on the form and stamp the form with their stamp.
Please note: Your application can not be processed without all the correct information.
You can calculate your rebate by going to the Department of Internal Affairs website.
