Ratepayers urged to apply for rebates

Taupo District ratepayers are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a refund on their local government rates.

Under the Government’s $70 million Rates Rebate scheme which is administered by local authorities, ratepayers can be eligible for a rebate of up to $530.

Taupo District Council wants the entire community to be aware of the scheme. Information was included with rates invoices and over 900 rebate application forms have been posted directly to those who qualified last year.

To date, 722 applications have been returned resulting in a total refund of almost $350,000.

Deputy Mayor Christine McElwee says the rebates are a great help to ratepayers on a low or fixed income or benefit. She says many of those who apply are eligible for the maximum amount but this does depend on household income, level of rates and family circumstances.

To check your eligibility, go to www.ratesrebates.govt.nz and use the online rebate calculator. To apply for a rebate, bring your rates invoice and evidence of your earnings for the tax year ending 31 March 2008 into a Taupo District Council office (Taupo, Turangi or Mangakino). Rebate applications for the current rating year (2008/09) can be accepted until 30 June 2009.