The Rates Rebate Scheme came into effect in July 2008 to benefit home owners who have low incomes.
Who benefits from the Rates Rebate Scheme?
The Rates Rebate Scheme benefits people who pay rates for the home in which they live, and whose incomes are low.
The thresholds for the Rates Rebate Scheme
These changes came into effect from 1 July 2011
- The maximum rebate is $580.00
- The Gross Income threshold starts at $23,240 (if you earn more than $23,240 a year you could still be eligible)
- The additional income allowance for dependants is $500 per dependant
Application checklist
The Rates Rebate Scheme’s purpose is to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners and ratepayers on the cost of their rates. To qualify, you must be the homeowner, living at the property, and paying the rates. The close off date is 30 June 2012.
Before applying for a Rates Rebate please ensure you have the following:
- All Gross Income for the tax year 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011 (IR 544) for yourself
- All Gross Income for the tax year 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2011 (IR 544) for you partner/joint homeowner (if applicable)
Your Personal Tax Summary IR 544 is available by contacting the Inland Revenue Department on Personal Tax Enquires: 0800 227 774.
Please note this can take up to 10 days to be sent out to you from IRD or you can request your summary through the IRD website. Go to start at the bottom right corner and insert you IRD number and the financial year you are after.
- A copy of your invoice from Environment Waikato showing rates for the year 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2012. (Please note: This must be the invoice that Environment Waikato posts out yearly. We will not accept a print out from the internet or verbal confirmation.)
Rates Rebate Calculator
To see if you are eligible for a rebate, please contact the Rates Team on 07 824 8633.