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PENSIONER REBATES There are some 5 000 pensioners who presently receive a monthly rebate on their property rates. The prevailing rebates fall away at end September 2010 unless a request for renewal has been received. To date , few renewal requests have been received. Rates and Taxes is printing an advice note on the October 2010 statements of these potential pensioners. The advice note reads as follows: Pensioner rates rebates may be available to you. Conditions apply. Gross household monthly income not to exceed R9600 (before deductions). Proof of age & income required. Visit local office for info. The form to be completed is identical to that being completed by the existing pensioner beneficiaries. A copy of this form is attached hereto. Frequently Asked Questions and general replies: Where Can I obtain an Application Form? From the Revenue and Customer Liaison Department (Thuso House, 61Jorissen Street Braamfontein) Or the Regional Office Who can Apply? Conditions for Pensioner Rebates. The conditions are approved by Council and are: Owner must be at least 60 years of age (or older) If joint ownership, one of the spouses in whose name the property is registered must be at least 60 years of age ( or older) Owner must personally occupy the property Property valuation as per the prevailing municipal valuation roll is limited to a maximum value of one million five hundred thousand Rand (R1 500 000) Owner has to be a natural person in other words, the pensioner rebate is not allowed for a business in any form. Businesses can includes a - Company, CC, Partnership, INC, Trust, Religious Organisation Old Age Home Retirement Village Institution Life Rights Scheme This rule applies even if the natural person is the sole proprietor (owner) or beneficiary of the business. The property has to be residential. Pensioner rebates are not allowed where the property category in the Valuation Roll is not residential. This means that property categorised as agricultural, farming, business, public benefit, State, vacant land, municipal, and any other category that is not residential cannot qualify for the rebate. Earnings Limits There is a ceiling on earnings for qualifying for the pensioner rebate. The maximum monthly earnings are: Gross income of the household from all sources not exceeding R5300 per month : 100% rebate on property rates Gross income of the household from all sources exceeding R5300 per month but not exceeding R9600 per month : 50% rebate on property rates No rebate is available where gross income of the household exceeds R9600 per month. How do I get the Rebate? A pensioner, or a representative of the pensioner has to collect the application form from either Revenue and Customer Liaison Department Thuso House, 61 Jorissen Street Braamfontein) Or the Regional office The complete form has to be filled in and supporting proof of income is required. The Pensioner has to sign the application form. The form has to be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths. If you have access to the Council's Website, download the form, print it and submit in hard copy to one of the addresses indicated above. Electronic returns cannot be processed since original documentation is required. For how long do I get the Rebate The rebate is granted for a period of two years. If the income of the pensioner increases or decreases during the period, a fresh application is required. Marketing Campaign Rates and Taxes has sent the application form to all existing pensioners. These pensioners are required to complete the form and return it to either Rates and Taxes department (2nd floorJorissen Place corner Jorissen and De Beer Streets Braamfontein) Or the Regional office Closing date for submission to ensure the rebate is not removed from your account is 23 September 2010. Late applications will be accepted. Council is aware that there may be potential pensioners who are not aware of the pensioner rebate. A note will be printed on the October 2010 billing statement advising such persons that they may apply for the rebate if they qualify in terms of the criteria set out above. What Services Does This Rebate Apply to? The pensioner rebate is only applicable to residential property rates. I am the Tenant in a flat The rebate is only available to the property owner. I own A Sectional Title Unit The rebate is available to owners of sectional title units where the residential property rates tariff is charged. The same conditions as set out above are applicable to pensioner owners of Sectional Title dwellings. (See attached file: Pensioner rebate application form 2010 2012.pdf) | 
