A rates rebate is a partial discount on a rates bill. If you own your home and are on a low income, you may be eligible for a rates rebate.
How is my rebate worked out?
With the rates rebate scheme you could get up to $790 off your rates bill. This depends on your income, number of dependants and how much your rates are.
A rebate must be claimed during the current rate year, rebates cannot be claimed for past rate years. You must apply each year for your rebate.
To apply, you must be:
- the person who pays the rates on the property that's your home
- living in your home
- listed as the ratepayer on our Rating Information Database (RID)
- retirement village resident who lives under a licence to occupy agreement
You can't apply if:
- you're not the legal ratepayer
- your property is mainly used for commercial activities, such as farming or business
- your property is a rental or holiday home
If you move during the year, check with us to see if you can still get a rate rebate.
Check if you're eligible
You may be able to apply for a rates rebate if your property was your place of residence on 1 July 2024 or you live in a retirement village with a licence to occupy and your household income is $54,000 or less.
For other types of ownership and living situations check this information
Our staff can also help you work out if you’re eligible, contact customer service
How to apply
The application form is available on the NZ Govt website Print and fill in the Application Form
We'll work out your rate rebate for you, you must sign the application form.
Bring your application in with:
- current rates invoice
- proof of income (before tax) for the year ending 31 March 2024
- your partner or joint homeowner’s income (before tax) for the year ending 31 March 2024
To qualify your name must be on the Certificate of Title or a licence to occupy agreement for a retirement village.
If you receive income from Work and Income, we already have these income amounts.
The last day you can apply for the rate rebate for this period is 30 June 2025.
If you're an owner-occupier or live in a company share
If you're an owner of an owner-occupier and your name's not on the rates bill, you must have a letter from the person whose name is on the rates invoice stating what the total rates are, and how much you pay towards them.
You need to fill in the Owner-Occupier Declaration Form
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| Source of income | Evidence you need |
|---|---|
| Any Work & Income benefit for the full year | No evidence needed, we have the amounts. |
| Any Work & Income benefit for part of the year | Information of amount received |
| Interests and dividends | Bank or company tax certificate |
| Wages or salary | Declare your gross income for the tax year ended 31 March 2024. Your employer or IRD can tell you. |
| Self-employed | Declare your net business income for the tax year ended 31 March 2024. |
Income does not include - cash grants, family tax credits (family support), war widow or war disablement benefit, medal or honour payments, grants for funeral expenses, prizes and winnings.
How long will it take to process your application?
It's takes about 10-15 minutes, we'll let you know the outcome at the end of the process.
When and where to apply
You must apply every rating year, the rating year is from 1 July to 30 June. You'll receive your first rate invoice in August each year.
Come into our customer service centres, no appointment is necessary:
If you have any questions about the rates rebate scheme, or the application process please contact us.
For more information visit the NZ Government website