Rates Rebates Available for Low-Income Earners Mon 27 Jul 2009
If you are a home owner on a low income, you could have some money coming your way.
During August New Plymouth District Council will have a team dedicated to helping low-income ratepayers apply for rates rebates from the Government.
The nationwide scheme provides a rebate of up to $550 for low-income earners who pay the rates on the home in which they were living on 1 July 2009.
“Every ratepayer with a household income of $18,133 or less is guaranteed a rebate – all they need do is apply,” says Manager Customer Services Mary-Anne Priest.
“People with a household income of $28,500 or less might receive a rates rebate depending on their level of rates and number of dependants, and even some who earn more than $28,500 and have rates around $3,000 or more might still be eligible.
“It’s definitely worth it for people to book a time to talk with our staff about whether they’ll be able to receive a rebate.”
During 2008/09 2,800 ratepayers in New Plymouth District received a rebate – just 51 per cent of the 5,500 estimated by the Department of Internal Affairs to be eligible.
“We’d like as many people as possible to get their rebate, so we encourage people to ring us now to book a time to come in and talk with us,” says Mrs Priest.
Rebates are only for ratepayers living in their own home. They are not available for farms, properties used principally for commercial, industrial or business purposes, or for rental properties.
Ratepayers can phone the Council on 06-759 6060 to make an appointment with a rates rebates team member in the Civic Centre, or at a library and service centre in Bell Block, Waitara or Inglewood.
Applicants will need to bring with them:
- Their rates bill.
- Accurate information about their income (and that of their partner/joint home owner who lives with them) for the tax year ended 31 March 2009. Note: If their only income is a benefit (e.g. they have no bank savings earning interest, or occasional paid work), they do not need to bring their income information with you – just their rates bill.
More information is available online at www.dia.govt.nz/ratesrebates.