Rates Rebate

What is a rates rebate?

A rates rebate is a partial refund for people who pay rates to us.

Residential ratepayers on low incomes may be eligible for a rates rebate

The government may pay up to $750 of your combined district/city/regional council rates in 2023-24 under the rebate scheme. This depends on a combination of:

• Your income
• The rates you are charged
• The number of dependants you have.

If you meet the criteria below you may qualify for the rebate. All information is required to be completed on the application form, including your district or city council rates, and taken into your local district or city council office for processing. Incomplete applications will be returned. The rates rebate is processed as a credit to your local district or city council rates account. The credit includes the discount received for Otago Reigonal Council rates.

Apply for a Rates Rebate

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for a rates rebate if:

• You were a legal ratepayer for the property that was your home on 1 July 2023 and you are named on the council Rating Information Database (RID)
• You are applying before the deadline, which is 30 June 2024

Supporting evidence required by self-employed applicants

You’ll need to provide a copy of your complete set of financial accounts, IR3B or IR10.

Do I declare Working for Family tax credits?

Call Inland Revenue on 0800 227 773 for a breakdown of these payments.

If you live in a retirement village

Retirement village residents can apply if you do not own your unit, e.g. you hold a licence to occupy agreement.

A declaration form is required to be filled in by the retirement village operator. Get in touch with them and attach the completed form to your rates application form.

Don’t forget to include confirmation of your bank account details as your rebate will be paid directly into your bank account rather than credited to your rate account.

Rates rebate calculator

To see if you are eligible for a rebate, use the Rates Rebate Entitlement Calculator. Until all details are provided, this provides only an estimate.

Where do I go to have my application processed?

Your signature must be witnessed as outlined on the rates rebate form. We unfortunately cannot process your application. Please take your unsigned application form into your local district or city council and they can witness this for you. They have the capability to process your application on behalf of New Zealand Government.

Check out their details here:

Dunedin City Council

Queenstown Lakes District Council

Central Otago District Council

Waitaki District Council

Clutha District Council