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A question on many students' minds going into the new university year is surrounding council tax on student homes and accommodation.
In this blog we’ll be covering what a council tax bill is, who has to pay it, and where students stand when it comes to paying it or not!
What is council tax?
Council tax is a form of tax which property owners pay and is typically worked out based on the value of the property. The property owner pays this tax annually and it goes towards local amenities such as rubbish collection, park and public space upkeep, local public buildings such as libraries, town halls, and more.
Do university students pay council tax?
Whether you’ll need to pay council tax as a student will depend if you’re a full-time or part-time student.
Do full time students pay council tax?
When in a student accommodation where everyone is a full-time uni student, you will be exempt from paying council tax.
At all universities there is an advice and counselling service you can talk to should you need assistance claiming your exemption. In the event you’re asked to provide evidence, a certificate of enrolment can be collected from the student enquiries centre and submitted to your local council tax office.
To be exempt from paying council tax (and be classed as a full-time student), you’ll need to:
- Be studying a university or college course lasting at least one academic year
- Be studying a course that involves at least 21 hours of study per week
If you’re studying for a qualification up to A level and you’re under 20, you must be undertaking a course which:
- lasts at least 3 months
- involves at least 12 hours study per week
Once you are no longer studying and/or meeting the above requirements, you’ll be classed as a working professional when it comes to council tax. This means you’ll no longer be exempt and you’ll have to start paying.
If you aren’t studying full time but are unsure on where you stand regarding council tax, keep reading.
Do you pay council tax as a part-time student?
Not all students are full time, and that can be for a range of reasons. When it comes to council tax however, part time students don’t qualify for a student exemption from council tax like full-time students.
If you don’t meet the requirements above for the full-time student exemption, not to worry! You may still be able to claim a discount on your council tax bill.
How do I apply for council tax exemption or reduction?
Applying for your council tax exemption is pretty straightforward thankfully! The government now provides a digital service where you’ll be able to apply easily online.
You’ll need to start by visiting the “Apply for a Council Tax discount” page on the GOV.UK site. From there it’ll prompt you to enter the postcode of your student accommodation (or whichever property it is you’re applying for an exemption on).
It should then direct you to your local authorities’ website where you’ll be asked to fill in more details and complete an application. Be prepared to have documents and information on hand such as your national insurance number and other methods of identity verification.
Should you have any trouble with the above, you can contact your local council via this same website. There is also information available on the GOV website. Or you can have a look at our blog, ‘How to apply for council tax exemption as a student’.
Split The Bills is not a financial advisor. This should not be considered as professional financial advice. Do your own research & consult a professional financial advisor before making any financial decisions!
