The Rates Rebate Scheme was established by the Government in 1973 to provide a subsidy of up to $550 on rates for low income earners. Your rebate will be calculated based on your income, rates and how many dependants you have. The Government, following a review of the Scheme, has further increased the rates rebate thresholds for the 2009/10 rating year.

The following changes came into effect on 1 July 2009:

• Maximum rebate increased from $530 to $550
• Income threshold increased from $21,180 to $21,910
• The additional income allowance for dependants will remain $500 per dependant.

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2010.

To be eligible for a rates rebate you need to earn less than $21,910; however if you earn more than this you could still be entitled to a rebate depending on the total cost of your rates and how many dependants you have. Please contact customer services for more information or to find out if you qualify.

When applying for a rates rebate please bring with you:

• A copy of your 2009/2010 Matamata-Piako District Council rates account (available from August 2009)
• A copy of your 2009/2010 Environment Waikato rates account (available from August 2009) call 0800 800 401
• A copy of the Income Certificate from Inland Revenue for the 2008/09 year from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. Please supply certificates for every person who is an owner of the dwelling, at 1 July 2009. Contact Inland Revenue on 0800 227 774
• A copy of any certificates stating interest earned on investments to 31 March 2009.

Please contact Customer Services to find out more information or to book an appointment.

For any other queries about rates or rates rebates, contact customer services on 0800 746 467.

For further information on the Rates Rebate Scheme, visit the Department of Internal Affairs.