Apply for a rates rebate

The Rates Rebate Scheme provides a rebate of up to $790 for low income earners who were paying rates for the home in which they were living on 1 July 2024.

How is my rebate calculated?

Your rebate is calculated based on your income, rates and the number of dependants living with you.

The income eligibility for a rebate is $31,510. However, if your income exceeds this amount you could still be entitled to a rebate depending on the total costs of your rates and the number of dependants. 

Applications close on 30 June 2025.

How to apply

Find out if you're eligible

What information do I need to provide?

  • Accurate information about your income (and that of any spouse/partner and/or joint home owner who lives with you) for the tax year ended 31 March 2024
  • Details of all Gross Income (BEFORE TAX) – 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 financial year
  • Personal Tax Summary – available from Inland Revenue
  • Wages & Salary – (Tax Summary from IRD/employer)
  • Work & Income Benefit & Superannuation – (If your sole income is NZ Superannuation you do not need to provide proof of income)
  • Additional Allowances - Additional to the benefit e.g Accommodation Benefit – (from WINZ)
  • In work Tax credits, Minimum Family Tax Credits & Parental Tax Credits – (from IRD)
  • Gross Interest/Dividends earned between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024
  • Rental Income/Shares/Overseas Benefits or income
  • Your Horizons Regional Council rates bill.

Where to obtain proof of income

Ministry of Social Development – New Zealand Superannuation enquiries  Freephone: 0800 552 002
Email: seniors@msd.govt.nz  
Work and Income – people under 65 enquiries Freephone: 0800 559 009
Inland Revenue – Income Tax enquiries Freephone: 0800 775 247
Website: www.ird.govt.nz
Working for Families – Tax Credit enquiries: Freephone: 0800 227 773 

Where do I find an application form?

If you think you may be eligible, download a property rates rebate application form.

If you live in a retirement village and want a property rates rebate, you will need to complete a declaration(PDF, 595KB).

How do I make an application?

In person

We want this process to be as easy as possible for you. Appointments are best suited for this process and will reduce waiting times. Click on the 'book an appointment' tab below and choose the date and time that best suits you. Allow about 15 minutes for the appointment.

If you are unable to access the appointment calendar online, please call us on 349 0001 and we can make an appointment for you.

Book an appointment

 

By email

You can download an application form and then send to us for processing along with the appropriate supporting documents to our email address: rates@whanganui.govt.nz

Please scan your forms before emailing them to us.

 

By post

Send your completed property rates rebate application form, along with supporting documents, to:

Whanganui District Council
PO Box 637
WHANGANUI 4540