Lana Oconnell
Whether or not students are liable to pay council tax depends on a variety of factors, including their living situation, course load, and physical attendance at an educational institution. In general, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax, but part-time students may be required to pay. Additionally, if a student lives with non-students, the non-students may be responsible for paying the full amount of council tax, even if the student is a full-time student. However, there may be discounts available for those living with students, and students who own their homes may be responsible for paying council tax. Determining factors include the number of non-students in the household, whether the student is the only person responsible for the property, and whether the student is taking time off from their course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | Exempt from council tax |
| Student status | Depends on the student status |
| Student accommodation | May be exempt |
| Living with non-students | Need to pay council tax for the house |
| Living in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) | Owner of the property is liable to pay council tax |
| Living with a non-British spouse, partner or dependent | Special rules apply |
| Living in Newham | Likely responsible for paying council tax |
| Living in Northern Ireland | No council tax, but domestic rates apply |
| Living in a shared house, bedsit or hostel with 2 or more people who aren't family | Owner of the property is liable to pay council tax |
| Taking time off from your course | May need to pay council tax |
| Received a council tax bill in error | Write to the local authority and may need to appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service (VTS) |
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What You'll Learn
Full-time students and council tax
If you are a full-time student living in the UK, you are generally exempt from paying council tax. However, this exemption depends on several factors, such as your living arrangements and student status.
Living in Student Accommodation:
If you live in registered student halls of residence, you are automatically exempt from council tax and do not need to register. However, if you move out of halls and into private accommodation, you may need to apply for an exemption.
Living with Non-Students:
If you live with non-students, the rules for council tax vary. If you are the only full-time student in a household of employed people, they will likely be liable for 75% of the council tax bill. In this case, you are "`disregarded'" when counting the number of eligible adults, resulting in a 25% discount for the household. If you live with two or more non-students, they are typically liable for 100% of the council tax bill unless they qualify for a discount or exemption.
Student Status:
Your student status also plays a role in council tax exemption. If you take time off from your course but remain registered with the intention to return, you are usually still considered a full-time student for council tax purposes. However, if you leave your course after taking a break, you may need to pay council tax for the remainder of your rental contract. Additionally, if your teaching doesn't take place on campus or you are in the thesis-writing stage, you might encounter challenges in proving your student status for council tax exemption.
Specific Course Requirements:
To qualify as a full-time student for council tax exemption, you must be enrolled in a specified course of study. In the UK, this typically means undertaking a course for a minimum of 21 hours per week over 24 weeks per year.
International Students:
If you are an international student studying at a UK or EU institution, you may still be considered a student for council tax purposes, provided you meet the same criteria as UK students. However, if you are studying at an educational establishment outside the UK or EU, you are not eligible for council tax exemption or discounts.
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Student accommodation and council tax
Students are usually exempt from paying council tax. However, this depends on their student status and the type of accommodation they live in.
Full-time students
Full-time students are usually exempt from council tax. To qualify as a full-time student, a course must last at least one calendar or academic year, or at least 24 weeks in the year, and involve at least 21 hours of study, tuition, or work experience per week during term time. If a student is taking time off from their course, they should still be regarded as a student for council tax purposes if they intend to return to their course. If they decide to leave their course, they will likely need to pay council tax on their accommodation before their rent contract ends.
Student accommodation
Student accommodation is usually exempt from council tax. This includes halls of residence and dwellings occupied solely by students. However, student cluster flats may be considered Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), which can affect liability for council tax. If a student lives in an HMO with other full-time students, they are likely to be exempt from council tax, but they may still receive a bill. If they live in an HMO with non-students, they will likely be liable for council tax, but they may qualify for a discount.
Applying for exemption
Students can apply for a council tax exemption through the government website. They may need to provide proof of their student status, such as a certificate from their university. Some councils may require additional documentation, such as a "certificate of student status". International students are subject to the same rules as UK students, except for students from the EEA or Switzerland, or their family members, who are exercising a right of free movement in the UK.
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Exemptions and discounts
If you are a full-time student, you are exempt from paying council tax. However, if you live with non-students, you will be liable to pay council tax for your home. In this case, you can apply for a discount on your council tax bill.
To qualify as a full-time student, your course must meet certain criteria. For instance, you are required to study for at least 21 hours per week for 24 weeks a year at a university, college, or further education establishment. Alternatively, you can be a school or college leaver aged 18 or 19 years old, who left after 30 April of an academic year. You will be exempt until 1 November of the same year.
If you are taking time off from your course, you should still be regarded as a student for council tax purposes as long as you intend to return to your course. However, if you decide to leave your course after your break, you will likely need to pay some council tax on your accommodation before your rent contract ends.
If you are living in a house in multiple occupations (HMO), the owner of the property is liable to pay council tax. An HMO is a property occupied by three or more people, split between two or more households who pay rent separately. The owner can claim a discount on behalf of any full-time students.
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Council tax in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, there is a different system in place in terms of local tax. Unlike council tax, which is collected in England, Wales, and Scotland, Northern Ireland has a 'rates' system. These rates are collected by Land & Property Services and are paid to local authorities (councils) to fund local services such as parks, rubbish collection, policing, and personalized care.
The amount of tax payable is based on the value of the property rather than the income of the occupants. It may be reduced if there is only one occupier. The tax is calculated annually from 1 April to 31 March and can be adjusted when circumstances change, such as the property becoming unoccupied or ceasing to be eligible for an exemption.
Full-time students are disregarded when counting the number of eligible adults in a property for council tax purposes. If you are a full-time student, you are exempt from council tax, but if you live with non-students, you may be liable for a portion of the council tax bill.
Working-age customers in Northern Ireland claiming Universal Credit can apply for Rate Rebate to assist with domestic rates. Additionally, there is a rebate called Housing Benefit & Rate Relief, which is now restricted to pensioners and benefit claimants receiving a Severe Disability Premium.
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Appealing a council tax bill
Students may be eligible for council tax exemption, which means they don't have to pay council tax at all. However, it is not automatic, and one must apply and meet the eligibility criteria. Full-time students enrolled in a course lasting longer than a year and requiring a minimum of 21 hours of study per week may be eligible for council tax exemption during the summer between academic years. Those in their final year of study may also be eligible until the end of the academic year.
If you are a student and receive a council tax bill, you can appeal it by first checking if you are eligible for an exemption. You can apply for a council tax exemption on the government website. If you are living with non-students, you will need to pay some council tax for your home. However, you may be able to qualify for a discount on your bill, which you can also apply for on the government website.
If you believe you should be getting a discount or exemption, you can write to your council, explaining why you think your bill is wrong. The council has two months to reply. If they decide your bill is incorrect, you must continue paying the amounts listed in your original bill until you receive the new one. If you disagree with the council's decision or do not hear back within two months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, which is independent and free to use. However, you will have to pay your own costs.
You can also submit a request for an informal review of your Council Tax band if you cannot formally challenge it. While the burden is on you to provide compelling evidence that your band is wrong, it can be a good option if you have a strong case. If your informal review is rejected, you can still appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, but your appeal may be rejected as it uses the same criteria as the VOA.
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Frequently asked questions
Full-time students are usually exempt from paying council tax. However, if you receive a council tax bill, you can apply for an exemption through the government website.
If you live with non-students, you will need to pay council tax for your home. However, you can qualify for a discount on your bill.
If you live in an HMO, the owner of the property is liable to pay council tax. An HMO is usually a shared house, bedsit, or hostel with 2 or more people who aren't from the same family.
If you take a break from your course but intend to return, you will still be regarded as a full-time student for council tax purposes. However, if you decide to leave your course after your break, you may need to pay council tax for the remaining period of your rent contract.
If you receive a council tax bill when you are a full-time student, you can write to your local authority to explain why it is incorrect. You may need to provide evidence of your student status, such as a student certificate.
