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Rates rebate scheme
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low income homeowners on the cost of their rates. The Government has reviewed the Rates Rebate Scheme and has further increased the rates rebate thresholds for the 2010/2011 rating year, so more people than ever before will be eligible for the rebate.
The following changes come into effect from 1 July 2010:
- Maximum rebate increased from $550 to $570
- Income threshold increased from $21,910 to $22,340
The additional income allowance for dependants will remain at $500 per dependant. This means the income threshold for a full rates rebate for the 2010/2011 year is $22,340 and is increased by $500 for each dependant in the household.
Homeowners can apply for the new rebate from 1 July 2010, for the 2010/2011 rating year. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2011.
Are you 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. Example tables and electronic calculator are available on the Department of Internal Affairs website.
How to apply
Once you have received your rates assessment invoice for the year 2010/2011 complete the application form and send it to our Rates Team, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga, 3143
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- Your rates assessment invoice (including your regional rates notice if billed separately) for the current rating year.
- Information about what your income (before tax) was for the tax year ended 31 March 2010.
- Information about what your partner/joint homeowner's income was if he/she was normally living with you on 1 July 2010.
Please note: If you are the owner of an owner-occupier flat and your name is not on the rates bill, you must have a letter from the person whose name is on the rates bill stating what the total rates bill is and how much you pay towards it.
If you are granted a rates rebate Council will reduce your rates by the amount of the rebate.
For more information visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.
Rates Postponement Scheme
Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s rates postponement scheme gives home-owners aged 65 and over the opportunity to stop paying rates for the rest of their lives.
Background
Councils throughout New Zealand can choose how flexible they are in setting a rates postponement policy because the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 and the Local Government Act 2002 changed the law to allow councils to postpone the payments of rates for residential ratepayers. Before these laws were enacted rates could only be postponed if the ratepayer proved they were suffering hardship.
In the case of the Western Bay of Plenty District, Council has elected to offer a scheme that will be available to residential ratepayers aged 65 and over. The aim is to give these ratepayers a choice of paying their rates now or later.
Under the scheme, people have the option to postpone payment of all, or a portion of their rates, for a fixed or indefinite period. This is subject to the full cost of postponement being met by the ratepayer (i.e. interest charges and administrative costs) and Council being satisfied that the risk of loss in any case is minimal.
How to apply
To be eligible to apply you or your partner must be at least 65 years old.
Full information is available in the rates postponement detailed booklet, which explains the ‘ins and outs’ of the scheme and how to apply or contact us on 07 571 8008 or by email customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz.