Time to apply for your rates rebates

It is time to apply for a rates rebate for the 2018/19 rating year.

Rebates of up to $630 may be available to eligible residential ratepayers.

To be eligible, you must be: named as a ratepayer for that property, and living at that property on July 1, 2018.

Rebates are based on total household income for the tax year ending March 31, 2018 and the amount of rates for both Horowhenua District Council and Horizons Regional Council for the 2018/19 rating year.

To check your entitlement, visit the ‘Estimate your rates rebate’ page on www.govt.nz/rates-rebate and enter your details into the rebate calculator.

Alternatively, contact Horowhenua District Council to arrange to meet with a Rates Rebates team member. Home visits can be arranged, if necessary. To make an appointment, phone 06 366 1050 between August 13 and 24, or email your name and phone number to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

Application forms are available online from the ‘How to apply’ page on www.govt.nz/rates-rebate or from council’s customer service centres at the main office building or Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-po¯ in Levin, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom in Foxton, and the Shannon community library.

The rebate is based on your total income from all sources for the year ended March 31, 2018. Anyone, including the self-employed, can apply for this. You just need to bring in proof of income or your set of accounts for the year ending March 31, 2018.

Anyone of any age can apply for the rebate provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

The rebate is based on your current year’s rates. Council strongly encourages anyone that is facing difficulty in paying their rates to contact council to discuss options.

The process is simple and straightforward. Council staff members are happy to assist you to complete your application.

Council offers a home visit service for ratepayers who may have difficulty getting to a council customer service centre.