Lori Meadows
Full-time students are usually 'disregarded' when it comes to council tax, meaning the tax is calculated as if they don't live in the property. This can result in a discount for whoever is liable to pay the tax. However, this is dependent on the student's course lasting at least one calendar or academic year and involving a minimum of 21 hours of study or work experience per week. In addition, students may need to provide proof of their full-time status and apply for a council tax exemption or discount.
Do full-time students have to pay council tax?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | A full-time student is someone whose course lasts at least 1 calendar or academic year and involves at least 21 hours of study, tuition or work experience per week during term time. |
| Council tax exemption | Full-time students might be entitled to a discount or exemption depending on who they live with. |
| Council tax calculation | Full-time students are disregarded when calculating the council tax, meaning the tax is calculated as if they don't live in the property. |
| Proof of full-time student status | The local council might ask for proof of full-time student status. This can be provided in the form of a certificate from the university or college. |
| Council tax liability | If full-time students live with non-students, the non-students are liable for the council tax bill. |
| Property exemption | If the property is exempt, full-time students are disregarded, and the council tax is calculated with a discount. |
| Adult qualification | To prove that a full-time student does not qualify as an adult for council tax purposes, they may need a declaration from their employer stating that the course leads to an accredited qualification. |
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What You'll Learn
Full-time student definition
The definition of a full-time student varies depending on the context and the institution.
For tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a full-time student as someone enrolled for a specific number of hours at their school. The number of hours that qualify a student as full-time is determined by the school, and the IRS uses the school's definition. The student must attend school for at least five months per year, and the months do not need to be consecutive. This legal tax status is important for determining exemptions and dependency status.
In the UK, a full-time student for council tax purposes is defined as someone whose course lasts at least one calendar or academic year, involving at least 24 weeks of study, and including at least 21 hours of study, tuition, or work experience per week during term time. This definition is used to determine council tax liability and discounts.
In the context of higher education, a full-time student generally refers to an individual enrolled in an approved institution, taking a full course load, and spending most of their week in class or studying. The specific number of credits or class hours required to be considered full-time can vary by institution and level of study (undergraduate or graduate). For example, full-time undergraduate enrollment is typically defined as taking at least 12 credits per semester or 24 per academic year, while part-time students usually take 11 or fewer credits per semester.
Factors Influencing Full-time Student Status
It is important to note that the definition of a full-time student can be broad and may be influenced by factors such as age, financial aid requirements, and the specific policies of the educational institution. For example, a child under the age of 19 attending an educational program for at least five months per calendar year may be considered a full-time student by the government. Additionally, federal student aid awards, such as Pell Grants, may have their own criteria for defining full-time status.
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Council tax exemption
Council tax is a tax paid by households in the UK to fund local services such as trash collection, road maintenance, and the police force. A full council tax bill is typically based on at least two adults living in a home, and spouses or partners living together are jointly responsible for paying the bill. However, some people are not counted or "disregarded" when determining the number of adults in a property, which can lead to a discount on the council tax bill.
Full-time students are considered "disregarded" for council tax purposes, meaning the tax is calculated as if they don't live in the property. This can result in a discount for the person responsible for paying the bill. To be considered a full-time student, your course must last at least one calendar or academic year, involve at least 24 weeks of study per year, and include a minimum of 21 hours of study, tuition, or work experience per week during term time.
If you are a full-time student, you may be eligible for a council tax exemption, which means you won't have to pay council tax at all. The exemption applies even during the summer holidays as long as you are registered as a student with your university. To apply for an exemption, you need to contact your local council and request a council tax exemption form. You may be asked to provide proof of your student status and income, such as a certificate from your university or college, a student loan statement, or a bank statement.
It is important to note that the process of applying for council tax exemption can take time, and there have been reports of delays in processing exemptions. During this period, you may be expected to pay the council tax bill and then receive a refund once the exemption is approved. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to keep your landlord and rental agent informed about your exemption status.
Additionally, if you live in a house in multiple occupations (HMO), such as a shared house or hostel, the owner of the property is liable to pay council tax. Understanding council tax exemption rules and your eligibility can help you manage your finances effectively and avoid any issues with your local council.
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Council tax discount
Full-time students are usually 'disregarded' when it comes to council tax, meaning that the tax is calculated as if they don't live in the property. This can result in a discount for whoever is liable to pay the council tax. To be considered a full-time student for council tax purposes, your course must last at least one calendar or academic year and involve at least 21 hours of study, tuition, or work experience per week during term time. You can request a certificate from your university or college to prove your full-time student status.
If you are a full-time student living in a property with other full-time students, you are typically exempt from paying council tax. However, if you live with non-students, you may still be eligible for a discount. For example, if you share with an employed person or a part-time student, they will likely be liable for 75% of the council tax bill, while you, as a full-time student, are disregarded for discount purposes.
It's important to note that part-time students do not qualify for an exemption, but they may be eligible for a council tax reduction. Additionally, if you are a full-time student living in a property that is not exempt, you may still need to apply for an exemption to avoid receiving a bill. Contact your local council to clarify your specific situation and determine your eligibility for any discounts or exemptions.
If you live in a house in multiple occupations (HMO), such as a shared house or hostel, the owner of the property is responsible for paying the council tax. In some circumstances, you may be able to get a discount or reduction on your council tax bill. For example, a single-person discount of 25% is applied if only one person is liable for council tax. Council tax bills are typically based on at least two adults living in a property, so discounts may apply if there is only one eligible adult in the property.
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Non-student housemates
If you are a full-time student living with non-student housemates, you are exempt from paying council tax. However, your non-student housemates may have to pay council tax on your behalf. The rules vary depending on the mix of students and other adults in the property. If you are the only full-time student living with one other adult non-student, your non-student housemate can apply for a 25% discount on their council tax bill. They will need to apply for a 'disregard', which means the council tax is calculated as if you, the full-time student, do not live there.
If there are two or more adult non-students living in the property, they will be liable for 100% of the council tax bill unless one or more of them qualify as a disregarded person for council tax discount purposes. For example, if your non-student housemate is living with their spouse or partner, they are jointly responsible for paying the bill. However, if your non-student housemate lives alone for part of the year while you are still living at the property, they may be able to get a 25% discount on their council tax bill during that time.
It is important to note that the rules for council tax exemption and discounts can vary depending on the local council and the specific circumstances of the household. If your non-student housemate is unsure about whether they qualify for a discount or exemption, they should contact their local council for more information. They may need to provide proof that you are a full-time student, such as a certificate from your university or college.
Additionally, if your non-student housemates are concerned about the financial burden of council tax, there are other ways to reduce the cost. They can look for discounts in other areas, such as travel, food, and entertainment, or take advantage of free or low-cost activities in your local area. Splitting the cost of council tax evenly among all housemates, including the full-time students, can also help to reduce the financial burden on your non-student housemates.
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Property exemption
If you are a full-time student, your property might be exempt from council tax. To be considered a full-time student, your course must last a minimum of one calendar or academic year and at least 24 weeks of the year, with a minimum of 21 hours of study, tuition, or work experience per week during term time. If you meet these criteria, your property may be exempt from council tax, and the bill will be calculated as if you do not live there. This means that whoever is liable for the council tax bill may be eligible for a discount. For example, if you live with an employed person or a part-time student, they will likely be responsible for 75% of the council tax bill. There is a 25% discount because there is only one eligible adult in the property.
If you live in a house in multiple occupations (HMO), which typically includes shared houses, bedsits, or hostels with two or more people who are not part of the same family, the owner of the property is responsible for paying the council tax. If you receive a council tax bill that you believe you should not have, you can apply for an exemption. You can find the application process on the gov.uk website. The process usually takes a few days, but additional information may be required. You will need to provide proof of your student status, such as a letter from your university or college confirming your enrollment, as well as proof of your income and residency.
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Frequently asked questions
Full-time students are 'disregarded' when it comes to council tax, meaning the tax is calculated as if they don't live in the property. The property is not exempt from council tax and someone will still need to pay the bill, but they may qualify for a discount.
If you share with an employed person or a part-time student, they will probably be liable for 75% of the council tax bill. If you share with two or more employed people who are not students, they will likely be liable for 100% of the bill.
Your course must last at least one calendar or academic year, for a minimum of 24 weeks out of the year, and involve at least 21 hours of study, tuition or work experience per week during term time. You can ask for a certificate from your university or college to prove this.
If you take time out from your course, for example due to illness or family commitments, you may still be considered a full-time student for council tax purposes. Contact your local council to confirm.
