Rates Rebates
The Rates Rebate Scheme is a partial rebate for eligible low income ratepayers who pay rates on their home to Council.
In 2024/2025, the government may pay up to $790.00 towards your rates under the rebate scheme.
You may be eligible if:
- You pay rates on the address you live at
- You were living there at the start of the rating year (1 July 2024)
- Your name is on the rates bill
The rates rebate will be calculated on your gross income, total rates and the number of dependents living with you as at 1 July 2024.
A quick way to check your eligibility is to visit www.govt.nz/rates-rebates and use the online rebate calculator.
Application process
If you received a rebate in the previous rating year you will receive a letter from us to advise that we are now accepting applications for the 2024/25 rating year.
We encourage you to complete and return the application form without the need to make an appointment with us.
Application forms are available from our Council offices/or from the Temuka or Geraldine Service Centres, forms can be downloaded at bottom of this page or you can find them here: www.govt.nz/rates-rebates
Please ensure all sections of the application form have been completed, signed and dated.
Once the application form has been fully completed, this can be dropped into one of our offices, posted to us, or emailed to customer@timdc.govt.nz
If you do require assistance to complete the form, you can arrange an appointment time at a place most convenient to you by contacting us:
| Timaru District Council Offices | 03 687 7200 |
| Geraldine Library Service Centre | 03 693 9336 |
| Temuka Library Service and Information Centre | 03 687 7591 |
At your appointment, staff will assist you to complete the application form.
Income Declaration
Include all sources of gross income for the tax year 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 for you/you and your partner/joint homeowner.
Income Examples
- NZ Superannuation
- Personal Superannuation (includes overseas)
- Wages or Salary
- Work and Income Benefits
- Work and Income Supplements (eg Accommodation Supplement)
- Working for Families Payments (including Tax Credits)
- Interest/Dividends or portfolio investment entity (PIE) income
- Trust Income
- ACC earnings compensation
- Net Business Income
- Net Rental Income
- Overseas Income (converted to $NZ)
- Income from other sources
Proof of income may be required.
Any rebate entitlement will be deducted from the rates due on the property.
More information is available from the New Zealand Government website:
Applications for the 2024/25 rating year close 30 June 2025