Savanna Hoffman
If you're a full-time student, you're likely exempt from paying council tax. However, there are certain situations where you might still be liable for payment. For example, if you live with non-students, they will probably be responsible for 75% of the council tax bill, and you may need to contribute. If you take time out from your course, you should still be considered a student for council tax purposes, but if you finish one course and plan to start another, you may have to pay council tax in the interim.
Do I pay council tax as a student?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time student | Exempt from council tax |
| Student halls of residence | Exempt from council tax |
| Part-time student | Not exempt from council tax |
| Non-student sharing with a full-time student | Liable for 75% of the council tax bill |
| Non-student sharing with 2 or more full-time students | Liable for 100% of the council tax bill |
| Non-student sharing with another non-student and a full-time student | Likely liable for 50% of the council tax bill |
| Non-British student | Liable for council tax |
| Full-time student taking a gap year | Liable for council tax |
| Full-time student on a foundation programme, first degree, or masters taking a gap year before starting a new course | Liable for council tax |
| Full-time student on a distance learning course | May be eligible for council tax exemption |
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What You'll Learn
Student exemptions
Students are generally exempt from paying council tax. However, there are certain situations in which a student may be liable to pay council tax. For example, if you are a student and own the home you live in, you are responsible for council tax. Additionally, if you are a full-time student taking time off from your course, you may be required to pay council tax during that period. If you are a part-time student, you may also be liable for council tax but can apply for a Council Tax Reduction if you meet the eligibility criteria.
If you are a full-time student living with non-students, you may still be exempt from council tax, but your non-student housemates will be liable for the bill. In this case, the owner of the property is responsible for paying council tax if it is a house in multiple occupations (HMO), which typically refers to shared houses, bedsits, or hostels with people who are not from the same family.
It is important to note that your exemption from council tax as a student typically ends once your course is complete. You become liable for council tax from the day after your official course end date, which is listed on your student record and appears as your "expected end date" on university documentation and your student ID card. If you plan to start a new course in the next academic year, you will need to pay council tax during the gap.
If you are unsure about your liability for council tax or believe you have been incorrectly billed, you should contact your local council or seek advice from your college or student advisory service. You can also apply for a council tax exemption or discount if you meet certain conditions, such as being the only adult in the property or living with people who do not count as adults for council tax purposes, like full-time students.
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Student discounts
As a student, you may be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill or, in some cases, an exemption from paying it altogether. Here are some key points to note about student discounts and exemptions for Council Tax:
Full-time Students
If you are a full-time student, you are generally exempt from paying Council Tax. This exemption typically applies from the day you start your course until the day you complete it, abandon it, or are no longer permitted to undertake it. However, if you take a break from your studies but remain registered with the intention to return, you are still considered a student for Council Tax purposes. Additionally, if you are in the thesis-writing stage of your course or your studies don't take place on a university or college campus, you may find it challenging to prove your student status for Council Tax exemption.
Part-time Students
If you are a part-time student, you may be liable to pay Council Tax. However, you can apply for a Council Tax Reduction if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check your eligibility using an online benefits calculator and consult your college or university to confirm your part-time student status.
Sharing Accommodation
If you are a student sharing accommodation only with other students, you are usually exempt from paying Council Tax. However, if you live with non-students, such as employed individuals or part-time students, they may be liable for a portion of the Council Tax bill. For example, if you live with one part-time student or employed person, they will likely be responsible for 75% of the bill, while the remaining 25% is discounted due to your student status.
Home Ownership
If you are a student and own the home you live in, you are generally liable for Council Tax. However, you may still be eligible for a discount or exemption depending on your specific circumstances.
Gaps Between Courses
If you complete one course and plan to start another in the next academic year, you may be required to pay Council Tax during this gap period. This is because your exemption as a student typically does not extend beyond the official end date of your previous course. However, once you enrol in the new course, you can submit evidence of your student status, and the exemption will be reapplied.
It's important to note that the rules and regulations regarding Council Tax for students can vary, and specific criteria must be met to qualify for discounts or exemptions. If you are unsure about your liability for Council Tax or the availability of discounts, it is recommended to seek advice from relevant sources such as your local council, student advisory service, or relevant government websites.
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Council tax liability
Generally, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. However, there are certain situations in which a student may be liable to pay council tax.
If you are a full-time student sharing accommodation with only other full-time students, you are typically exempt from paying council tax. In this case, the property will still receive a council tax bill, but the full-time students will be disregarded when counting the number of eligible adults, resulting in a 25% discount on the bill. However, if you share with non-students, they will likely be liable for a larger proportion or even the full amount of the council tax bill.
If you are a part-time student or a full-time student living with a partner who is not a student, you may be liable for council tax. In these cases, you may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
It's important to note that you become liable for council tax from the day after your official course end date. If you take a break from your studies but remain registered with the intention to return, you are still considered a student for council tax purposes. However, if you finish one course and plan to start another in the next academic year, you will likely need to pay council tax during that gap period.
If you are unsure about your council tax liability, it is recommended to contact your local council or seek advice from your college or student advisory service.
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Non-student housemates
If you are a full-time student living with non-students, you are exempt from paying council tax. However, your non-student housemates will be liable for the council tax bill. If your housemates are all part-time students, they will probably be liable for 75% of the council tax bill. If your housemates are all employed people who aren't students, they will likely be liable for 100% of the bill.
If you are a part-time student, you may be liable for council tax. You can check with your college or university about your student status. If you are liable, you can apply for a Council Tax Reduction if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can use an online benefits calculator to check how much reduction you might be entitled to.
If you are a full-time student and you take time off from your course, you may be liable for council tax during that period. This is because the council is not obligated by law to extend your exemption. If you suspend your course but remain registered because you intend to return, you should still be regarded as a student for council tax purposes.
If you have completed a course and are waiting to start another, you will likely have to pay council tax during this period. This is because your exemption from council tax as a student does not continue between courses. Once you have enrolled in the new course, you can submit evidence of your student status, and your exemption will be applied again.
It is important to note that the rules for council tax may vary depending on your location. You should contact your local council or seek advice from a student advisory service if you are unsure about your liability for council tax.
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Part-time students
As a part-time student, you will usually need to pay council tax. However, there are some cases where part-time students have been eligible for exemption as they are studying for more than 20 hours a week. It is important to check with your council for specific guidance.
If you are living with other people, you will receive a council tax bill each month, and only the non-student tenants will have to pay it. If you are living with a mix of students and non-students, those not in full-time education may have a large bill to pay. This could cause tension in the house and make shared living difficult.
If you are a full-time student, you are disregarded from paying council tax. This includes if you are studying a course up to A-Levels and are under 20, if you are under 25 and taking specific types of training, or if you are a student nurse. If you are taking time out from your course, you should still be regarded as a student for council tax purposes. However, if you have finished a course and are waiting to start another, you may have to pay council tax during this period.
Council tax is a yearly charge paid in 10 or 12 monthly instalments. It is charged per household and is calculated by the value of the property. In England and Scotland, the value is determined by how much the house was worth in April 1991.
Frequently asked questions
Full-time students are exempt from council tax. However, if you are a part-time student, you will be liable to pay council tax.
Yes, you must inform the council if you are a student and apply for a council tax exemption or discount.
If you live with non-students, they will be responsible for paying the council tax bill. However, they may qualify for a discount. For example, if they live with a full-time student, they will be liable for 75% of the council tax bill.
If you are a tenant paying rent or own your home, you are generally responsible for paying council tax. However, you may be able to apply for a discount or exemption if you are a student.
If you take time off from your course, you may still be considered a full-time student for council tax purposes as long as you are still "undertaking" the course. However, it may be difficult to prove your student status during this time.
