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Rates rebate calculator

Use the calculator to work out what you might get as a rates rebate.

Information you need

You need the following information when you use the calculator:

  • the total rates you will pay for the current rating year — 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024
  • the number of dependants living with you on 1 July 2023
  • your total household income before tax for the last tax year — 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The calculator provides an estimate only. Read the following for help with questions 2 and 3, if required.

Who is a ‘dependant’

For question 2, a dependant includes eligible children or relatives.

Do not count your spouse or partner. They are included in question 3 about total household income, before tax.

No dependants?

Enter 0 in the question 2 answer field.

Eligibility criteria to meet

Dependent child

The eligibility criteria for a dependant child are that, on 1 July 2023, the child:

  • is under the age of 18
  • is not married, in a civil union or de facto relationship.

Dependant relative

The eligibility criteria for a dependant relative are that, on 1 July 2023, the dependent relative:

  • is a relative of the ratepayer
  • receives a government benefit (but not NZ Superannuation).

Shared custody of a dependant 

If the number of days a dependant stays with you is half-time or varies each week, enter 1 in the question 2 answer field.

About ‘total household income before tax’

The following is a general summary of what is included as total household income. 

It includes:

  • income that both you, and your spouse or partner, and / or joint homeowner living at the property received in the previous tax year
  • ‘before tax’ income for the tax year 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023
  • income from other sources, for example, government payments, interest and dividends, trusts and rentals
  • income from self-employment, which is the net income.

For more information about  total income, see the application forms in step 1 of  Apply for a rates rebate: application forms.

The total for the current rating year is on the bill from your local council. If you get a separate bill from your regional council, add that in too.

A dependant is a child or relative who usually lives with you. If you have shared-care of a child under 18 years who lives with you some of the time, count this dependant as 1.

This is the total income before tax that you and your spouse / partner or joint homeowners living at the property received in the previous tax year.

Applications close on 30 June each year. Find out how to apply at:
www.govt.nz/rates-rebate

Next step

If you think you could be eligible for a rebate, complete the application form. Contact your council if you have any questions.

Apply for a rates rebate: application forms

Other kinds of financial help

Utility links and page information

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