Apply for a reduction of property rates penalties and fixed or targeted charges

Property rates penalties add to the amount a property owner needs to pay each year. In some cases, such charges can be reduced. The same is true for fixed or targeted property rates charges.

Apply for a reduction of property rates penalties

There are some situations where we can reduce your property rates penalties.

Eligibility and criteria

A penalty may apply for any property rates not paid by the due date.

If you have difficulty paying your property rates, contact us to make arrangements.

We may be able to reduce your penalties in a number of circumstances:

• You have paid after the penalty date for no more than one instalment and you have not received a property rates penalty reduction within the past two years.
• You have purchased the rating unit but have not received a property rates bill.
• If you pay your full rates for the year (excluding the first‑instalment penalty but including any arrears) by the second‑instalment due date.
• If you meet our agreed payment conditions for paying your rates arrears.

We will not backdate the reduction to previous years. It will apply from the beginning of the rating period in which we approve the application.

How to apply

To find out if you are eligible for a penalty reduction or are ready to apply:

What happens next

 It takes 10 working days to process your application.

Apply for a reduction in fixed charges and targeted rates

There are several situations where we can reduce the fixed charges or targeted rates that we ask you to pay.

Eligibility and criteria

You may qualify for a reduction if:

• you use the rating unit (property) only for vehicle parking and it is used together with another building on a rating unit, where no car parking is available
• you use the rating unit jointly with one or more units as a single farm or horticultural property and the group of rating units would usually be treated as a single rating unit, except that:
  • the units are not strictly adjoining (for example, a farm run-off block)
  • the same person occupies all the rating units, but does not own all the rating units
• the rating unit is Māori land used together with one or more Māori land units as a single property and the group of rating units would usually be treated as one rating unit, except that:
  • the units are not strictly adjoining.
  • the same person occupies all the rating units but does not own all the rating units
• the rating unit is classed by the council in the zero-rated general rates differential category.

When the reduction starts

If the application is approved, the reduction or postponement will begin from the start of that rating year. It will not apply to earlier years unless our policy allows it.

When the reduction does not apply

The reduction will not apply to:

• a separate residential dwelling or business on the rating unit
• a service that is actually provided to the rating unit.

How to apply

Under this policy, you must apply in writing or email us at enquiry@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for a reduction or make a declaration with evidence to support your request.

When you apply, include:

• detailed information with any supporting evidence, explaining how your property meets the conditions and criteria.
• a daytime contact number in case we need more information.

Write to us at:

 Rates Team
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Victoria Street
Auckland 1142

What happens next

We will return incomplete applications.

 It takes 20 working days to process your application. You will receive a letter or email advising the outcome of your application.