Rates Rebate applications invited

14 August 2017 - It is time to apply for a Rates Rebate for the 2017/18 rating year.

Rebates of up to $620 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 1 July 2017.

Rebates are based on total household income for the tax year ending 31 March 2017 and the amount of rates for both Horowhenua District Council and Horizons Regional Council for the 2017/18 rating year.

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 14 August and 26 August, or email your name and phone number to ratesrebates@horowhenua.govt.nz

Application forms are also available online at www.horowhenua.govt.nz/ratesrebates or from Council’s customer service centres at the main office building in Levin, Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and the Foxton and Shannon community libraries.

Rates Rebate myth-busters

“You have to be on superannuation to apply” - Not True. The rebate is based on your total income from all sources for the year ended 31 March 2017

“Self-employed people cannot apply” - Not True. The rebate is based on your total income from all sources for the year ended 31 March 2017. You just need to bring in proof of income or your set of accounts for the year ending 31 March 2017.

“Rates Rebates is age-related” - Not True. Anyone of any age can apply for the rebate provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Your Rates need to be up-to-date to apply” - Not True. 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 complicated” - Not True. The process is simple and straight-forward. All you need is your total income from all sources for the year ending 31 March 2017. Council staff members are happy to assist you to complete your application.

“We have to visit the Council building to apply” - Not necessarily. Council offers a home visit service for ratepayers who may have difficulty getting to a Council customer service centre.

ENDS

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