Over $300,000 refunded to Waipā residents
Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been refunded to Waipā residents over the past four months, thanks to a Government scheme designed to assist with rates bills.
The Rates Rebate Scheme assists with rates for low-income families who own their own homes. Those eligible may be entitled for a rebate of up to $640 on their rates.
Waipa District Council business support group manager Ken Morris said Council had received 655 applications so far this rating year. Of those applications, more than 500 had been approved to date with $314,474 granted.
“It is great to see Waipā residents applying for rates rebates and taking advantage of this fantastic Government Scheme. I strongly recommend all eligible Waipā ratepayers apply for a rebate.
“If successful, it will be applied to your rates account or refunded if you have paid your rates in full. Check out the rates calculator at www.govt.nz to see how much your rebate could be.”
Residents are eligible to apply if:
- They pay rates on the address they live at, and
- They were living there as at 1 July, being the commencement of the rating year, and
- Their name is on the Rating Information Database (RID), and
- The total income of them and their partner, and any joint homeowner is within the income threshold.
Applicants are required to provide information about their gross annual income for the previous financial year. The level of a person’s rates, their income level and whether they have dependents will have a bearing on whether they qualify.
Morris said Council had received 1,289 applications in the 2018/2019 rating year up from 1184 the previous year. Of those 1,257 were approved with $724,916 being granted.
“Our pensioner and low income families can really benefit from this rebate particularly as we come into the Christmas period when most families have extra expenses.”
To apply for the Rates Rebate Scheme head to Council offices and pick up an application form. They are also available on the New Zealand Government website, www.govt.nz.
The closing date for applications for the current 2019/2020 year is 5.00pm, Tuesday 30 June 2020.