Rates Rebate Scheme
About the Rates Rebate Scheme
The Rates Rebate Scheme is a partial refund to ease rates bills for low-income people.
It provides financial relief for those who own their own home and live in that home. It includes people living in retirement villages, but does not apply to rental or holiday homes or commercial premises. The scheme is funded by the Government and council administers it on their behalf.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility and how much you get depends on:
- the total amount of rates you pay
- how many dependants live with you
- your total household income before tax
- the ownership of your property
- your living situation.
Even if you can only meet some of the requirements, you may still be eligible for a rebate.
How much you can earn
Eligible households can have income up to $32,210 and get the maximum rebate amount of $805. Households getting more than this may still get a rebate, but it will be less than the full amount.
SuperGold cardholders
SuperGold cardholders and their households can have income up to $45,000 and get the maximum rebate amount of $805. A couple who only get NZ superannuation earn around this amount. Cardholders with households whose income is more than $45,000 may still get a rebate but it will be less than the full amount.
Find out more about eligibility on the New Zealand Government website.
Rates rebate calculator
A quick way for you to check your eligibility is to use the New Zealand Government online rates rebate calculator.
You only need to fill in three fields; your total gross income, number of dependants and your total Taupō District Council and Waikato Regional Council rates.
- Check your Taupō District Council rates
- Check your Waikato Regional Council rates
Applying for a rates rebate
For the 2025-26 rating year (1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026), you need to apply by 30 June 2026.
Rates rebate application forms are sent out with rates invoices in August, to those who applied for a rebate during the previous year. Otherwise you can request an application form to be posted to you, or download and print the PDF application form yourself.
To submit your application you will need the following information:
- A fully completed application form.
- Proof of income summary from WINZ or an employer and details of any other income including bank interest, share earnings and income from other sources etc. Please make sure that the income you provide is money received, before tax, for the most recent full tax year.
- Your Taupō District Council and Waikato Regional Council rates totals.
You can submit your application in person or someone else can bring it in for you to Council directly or alternatively you can email the completed form to info@taupo.govt.nz.
Please note that you are still required to sign your name (either with pen or digital signature). A typed signature is not acceptable.
Further information
For more information on rates rebates visit the New Zealand Government website and see The Rates Rebate Act 1973.
