Rates rebates and discounts
Rates rebates
This is a Government scheme to assist people on lower fixed incomes to pay their rates. The applicant would need to provide their household income details to 31st March 2024 for the current rating year (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025).
If you are eligible and have not yet returned your application form, please make sure you send us your form before the 30th June 2025.
If you have not applied in the past but you may be eligible, contact us as above to see whether you can benefit from this scheme.
What is a rates rebate?
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the Government to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners to help meet the cost of their rates. Local councils administer the scheme and are reimbursed by the Government for all rates rebates. Remember, this is not a benefit but an entitlement like any other form of tax refund.
Do you qualify?
To be eligible for a rates rebate for the 2024/25 rating year;
- You must be the legal ratepayer for the property that was your home on 1 July 2024.
- You must pay rates for the home in which you live.
- You must be named on the Council’s Rating Information Database (RID).
- It must not principally be used for commercial, industrial, business, or farming purposes.
The amount of any rates rebate is based on three factors:
- the amount of your annual rates levy
- the total income received by you and your partner
- the number of dependents residing on the property.
In most cases, the income threshold for the maximum rates rebate of $790 will be $31,510 although the income threshold increases for each dependent in the household.
If you provide these three details to Council, by telephone or over the counter at one of our offices, we can estimate your eligibility for a rates rebate, and if so, how much you are entitled to.
You can also use the rates rebate calculator on the Department of Internal Affairs website to determine any entitlement.
How and when do I apply?
You can apply for a rates rebate by bringing in to Council;
- your rates assessment or rates invoice for your residential property showing you as the legal ratepayer.
- Information about your total income before tax for the year ended 31 March 2024 including Interest/Dividends and Work and Income benefits.
- Details of your partner's/joint homeowner's income if he/she lives with you.
You can apply for a rates rebate at any time during the rating year. The closing date for applications is 30 June 2025.
Where can I get a rates rebate application form?
These are available from Council offices. You can also ask us to post one out to you or you can download one from the DIA Rates Rebate Scheme website.
If you received a rates rebate for the last rating year, you will automatically be sent a rates rebate application form again this year. You can expect to receive this in early August.
You can bring your completed form in to our office, or we can help you complete the form if you prefer.
Remission of SUIP based rates
Property owners who live on a property that is also used for another purpose may be eligible for a 50% reduction on some portions of their rates. The reduction applies to the ‘separately used or inhabited part’ based rates and may be available where the property has mixed uses. Please read the conditions and criteria in the application form to check eligibility.
Application for remission of SUIP based rates
Is your club or organisation getting a rates discount?
You may be eligible for a rate discount if you are an office-bearer for a community club or organisation involved in recreation, health, leisure, instruction, sport, physical activity or any form of culture. Council can remit up to 100% of rates for all but water, sewerage, and wheelie bin services. Contact us on 0800 801 350 to find out more.
