Nearly $1m in rates rebates granted this year

Close to a million dollars worth of rates rebates have been granted to Wairarapa ratepayers this year.
The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in 1973 to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates, and applications for the latest rating year closed on Monday.
John Wynne, Masterton District Council revenue accountant, said the Masterton council processed 1225 applicants for the latest rating year and granted $548,000 in rebates. This is a slight increase on the previous year, he said, in both applications and the total amount granted.
Carol Wood, Carterton District Council revenue and finance officer, said the Carterton council received 420 applications and granted $167,617.50.
She said most successful Carterton applicants were elderly, although there were also several solo parents granted rebates as well.
Janine Adams, South Wairarapa District Council rates and accounts collection officer, said the council received 642 applications for the latest period from South Wairarapa ratepayers and granted $278,147.54 in rebates.
Mr Wynn said the Masterton council is advising ratepayers to wait until they have received an invoice assessment for the new rating period, which is due within a month, before making an application for the upcoming term.
The $500 rebate for the upcoming rating period will increase $30 and the income abatement threshold will rise from $20,000 a year to $21,108.
The additional income allowance for dependants will remain at $500 for each dependant and the closing date for the upcoming period is June 30 next year, he said.
"We expect to complete about 800 interviews in the first three weeks after the application period opens for the new period, so it will be a busy time here for sure."
A rates rebate could still be available despite an income exceeding the income threshold, although this depends on the rates amount and number of dependants, according to the Department of Internal Affairs Rates Rebate Scheme website.
When applying for a rates rebate in the upcoming period you will need:
n Your rates notice, including your regional rates notice if billed separately, for the relevant rating year.
n Information about your gross income for the tax year ended March 31 this year.
n Information about what your partner or joint homeowner's income was if that person was normally living with you on July 1 this year.
If you are the owner of an owner-occupier flat, and your name is not on the rates bill, you must have a letter from the person whose name is on the rates bill stating what the total rates are, and how much you pay towards them.
If you are granted a rates rebate the council will reduce your rates by the amount of the rebate, or send you a cash payment if you have already paid your rates.
n For more information call (04) 460-2288 or your relevant council office.