Rebates - a taxing issue that's worth the effort

The other way to get back some of your tax money is by claiming rebates for charitable donations, or the cost of housekeeping or childcare.

You can claim a third of any donations to registered charities and some other organisations (including state schools) up to a maximum rebate of $500 if you donated $1500 or more.

You can also claim a third of housekeeping or childcare expenses, in some circumstances, to a maximum of $310 if you spent $940 or more on such things.

If you are in a relationship, each partner can claim up to $500 for charitable donations, regardless of which one made them, but childcare/housekeeping rebates cannot total more than $310 per couple.

Spending on childcare qualifies for a rebate if any of the following apply:

You and your partner were both working (and not separated).

You were a single parent and your child was under 18 or unable to work because of a disability.

You or your partner were disabled or physically unable to care for the child.

The housekeeping rebate applies only if you or your partner were disabled or physically unable to do housework.

Claiming those rebates used to be part of filling out a tax return but now you have to fill out a separate form, even if you are still required to file a return.

If you claimed rebates last year Inland Revenue says it will automatically send you a rebate claim form (an IR526). If that has not arrived by the end of the month call 0800 257-773 and ask for one.

Or, if you have internet access, you can download a claim form at the IRD website.

To claim one of these rebates you must have earned taxable income during the period covered by the rebate claim.

And, if you have some old receipts lying around, it may not be too late to use them to claim a rebate; the time limit for such claims has now been extended to eight years.

Rebate claim form