Rates Postponement Scheme
If you are 65 and over, own and live in your own home, you can apply to postpone payment of your annual rates until you cease to occupy the home.
It's a choice that may appeal to those on limited incomes, because it means you can enhance your quality of life with the money that you would otherwise be using to pay your rates.
There are two types of rates, local (our rates) and regional (Waikato Regional Council). We can arrange for postponement of your local and regional rates. If you are interested in the scheme, there are a number of stages to progress:
Stage 1: Confirming Your Eligibility
Once you have read the information, you will be required to fill out an eligibility form.
On return of the eligibility form, we will check that there is little risk of any shortfall when rates are postponed, and accrued charges are ultimately paid.
We will then send you a Conditional Letter of Offer and information to seek independent advice to help with your decision making.
Stage 2: Making the Decision
You will be required to attend a “decision facilitation” meeting with an independent qualified advisor, e.g.: your legal or financial advisor or bank manager. Their role is to help you arrive at a decision that is in your best interests. You need to provide the signed document confirming that the decision facilitation has been completed (this is supplied with your Conditional Letter of Offer).
The decision is entirely yours, and if you decide not to join the scheme, you only need to advise us that you no longer wish to proceed.
Stage 3: Applying for the Scheme
If you decide to apply, you will need to sign the Conditional Letter of Offer and return it to us with all of the required documentation.
When your home is sold, we will require outstanding rates, plus accumulated interest and a small administrative fee to be paid.
Under the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002, Councils cannot make a 'profit' from the scheme. All charges are set to cover the costs of administering the scheme, but no more.
We reserve the right not to postpone any further rates once the total of postponed rates and accrued charges exceeds 80% of the rateable value of the property.
Find out more by visiting the rates postponement website here.