For the 2023/24 financial year (starting in July 2023) the council is making a one-off rates remission (reduction) of up to $500 available for households facing a rates rise higher than $700 – to see whether you qualify, check the criteria below.
Why has the share of rates for some properties increased considerably more than for others?
It largely comes back to the district-wide revaluation carried out on our behalf by QV, required by law every three years. When property values increase, the total amount the council collects in rates doesn’t change – but what can change is the size of your ‘piece of the pie’ or what you pay compared to other properties.
QV’s revaluation sets new values for properties, taking into account sales data to identify market trends, and councils use the new values – as well as other information – to determine the share of rates each property pays.
New Zealand’s rating system is designed so higher-valued properties pay more than lower-valued properties.
This year the district-wide revaluation has shown a marked increase in land value, especially in lower-priced areas like Aramoho, Gonville and Castlecliff. Households with larger sections, in particular, are likely to see substantial rates rises this year.
The rates remission net has been cast wider this year to include households who have experienced a dramatic rise in the value of their property after the district-wide revaluation and might struggle to pay the higher rates.
This one-year assistance gives affected households time to plan how they will be able to fund their property’s rates for the next rating year (from July 2024).
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.
Before you apply, check the criteria below.
Rates remission criteria
To be eligible for rates remission, you need to meet the following criteria:
- your rates increase for 2023/24 is over $700
- your household income from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 was no more than $90,000 gross
- your property is residential
- you live in the property and don’t own other properties
- your rates increase is predominantly due to the October 2022 district revaluation rather than building work or property improvements.
Evidence of income
You will need to provide proof of income which could include:
Proof of income from Inland Revenue
You can get a summary of income by logging into Inland Revenue, or you can call Inland Revenue on 0800 227 774 (New Zealand only).
Proof of income from Work and Income
You can ask your case manager to give you a letter showing your income.
If you’re self-employed
If you’re self-employed you will need to provide a copy of your complete set of financial accounts, IR3B or IR10.
How to apply
There are several ways to apply for rates remission:
Apply
Other support available
Where eligible, we’d encourage you to seek one of the following forms of assistance as well:
Rates rebate
The rates rebate scheme provides a rebate (refund) of up to $750 for low income earners who were paying rates for the home they were living in on 1 July 2023. Your rebate is calculated based on your income, rates and the number of dependants living with you. The income eligibility limit for a rebate is $30,100. If your income exceeds this amount you could still be entitled to a rebate depending on the total cost of your rates and the number of dependants. The scheme is administered by the council on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs.
You can find out more here
Ministry of Social Development support
If you think you may be entitled to an accommodation supplement or additional income support from Work and Income, contact them to check your eligibility here
Paying by direct debit
Setting up a direct debit for rates can really help because it spreads rate payments evenly over the year. You can set up a payment to come out of your bank account weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly. You can find out more here