Tauranga homeowners who think they might be eligible for a rates rebate for 2017/2018 can find out in a matter of clicks – but you'll need to get in quick.

Local software developers have teamed up with the Department of Internal Affairs Service Innovation Lab to develop an app to make the process of applying for a rates rebate simple to understand and straightforward to finish.

Tauranga was chosen as the pilot for the project which will enable government to activate online rates rebates nationally.

Low-income residents only have until June 30 to apply for the rebate, but rather than filling out a hard copy form can go to http://clik.vc/ratesrebate and use an online calculator to calculate whether they are eligible. Eligible residents can then complete the form online.

Siobhan McCarthy from DIA's Service Innovation Lab says the team spent a month researching the issue, mapping out the service and speaking with people who had sought a rebate in the past.

'We found users that had gone through days of effort to apply, only to discover they were entitled to 30 cents. It is a real pain point for users, council and central government.”

She says the digital project was chosen to demonstrate the value of using digital applications to streamline government processes.

'The pilot has meant that it is easier for people to determine if they are eligible thanks to a simple calculator included as part of the process.”

The digital calculator is based on policies and legislation that have been turned into code to determine who can receive the rebate.

Eligible Tauranga City Council ratepayers can get a discount or partial refund of up to $620. This is calculated on your property rates, your income for the 2016-2017 tax year, and the number of dependants you have.