Lana Oconnell
Whether or not students have to pay council tax depends on their student status. Full-time students don't usually have to pay council tax and are classed as 'disregarded persons' by the local council. However, if they live with non-students, they may be liable for some council tax and will need to pay for their share. Students can apply for a council tax exemption or discount through the government website and may be asked to provide a 'Certificate of Student Status' or 'Council Tax Exemption Certificate' as proof of their full-time education status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full-time student status | Exempt from council tax |
| Full-time student living with non-students | Liable to pay council tax for the house but can qualify for a discount |
| Full-time student living with part-time students | Liable to pay council tax for the house but can qualify for a discount |
| Full-time student living with employed people | May be liable to pay 25% of the council tax bill |
| Full-time student living with a non-British spouse, partner, or dependent | Special rules apply |
| Full-time student living in a house in multiple occupations (HMO) | The owner of the property is liable to pay council tax |
| Full-time student living in Newham and paying rent or owning a home | Likely responsible for paying council tax with possible discounts and exemptions |
| Full-time student living in Wales | The property is exempt from council tax if unoccupied for up to four months after the end of the last occupancy |
| Taking time off from your course | May be liable to pay council tax |
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What You'll Learn
Full-time students
If you are a full-time student in the UK, you are generally exempt from paying council tax. However, this exemption only applies if you live with other full-time students. If you live with non-students, you will be expected to contribute to the council tax bill for your household. In this case, you can apply for a council tax discount through the government website.
It is important to note that the rules regarding council tax can vary depending on your location. For example, if you live in Newham, you may be responsible for paying council tax if you are a tenant paying rent or own your own home. Additionally, if your teaching does not take place on campus or you live in off-site accommodation, you may need to provide extra documentation to prove your full-time student status.
To qualify as a full-time student for council tax exemption, your course must meet certain criteria. If you do not meet these specific criteria, you may still be eligible for a discount on your council tax bill under different criteria listed by the government. You can contact your university's advice centre or Citizen's Advice for more information on council tax exemptions and discounts.
If you take time off from your course, you may still be exempt from council tax as long as you intend to return to your studies. However, you might have difficulty proving your student status if your study or tuition does not take place on campus or if you are in the thesis-writing stage of your course. In these cases, you may need to provide additional documentation or challenge the local council's decision with the help of your student union or university advice centre.
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Non-students living with students
If you are a non-student living with students, you will be liable to pay council tax. However, you will be eligible for a discount. The students residing in the household will be exempt from paying council tax.
If you are the only non-student in a household of students, you will be eligible for a 25% single-person discount. This discount applies regardless of the number of students living in the household. For example, if there are seven students and one non-student, the non-student will still be eligible for the 25% discount.
However, if there are two or more non-students in the household, you will lose the single-person discount and will be liable to pay the full council tax. In this case, the non-students will need to decide how to split the council tax bill between themselves.
It is important to note that the rules and discounts for council tax may vary depending on your location. Therefore, it is recommended to contact your local council to ensure you are receiving the correct information for your specific situation.
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Council tax exemption
In the UK, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. This applies even if you are a full-time student during the summer holidays. However, if you live with non-students, you will be required to pay some council tax for your home. If you are a student and receive a council tax bill, you can apply for an exemption through the government website. You will need to contact your local council to request a council tax exemption form and provide the necessary documentation. The process typically takes a few months, and you may be required to pay the bill while your exemption is being processed. However, if your exemption is approved, you will be reimbursed for any payments made during this period.
To qualify for council tax exemption as a student, you must meet the criteria of a full-time student. This includes being registered as a full-time student by your university and having your course lead to a qualification accredited by a recognised body, such as the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) or the Scottish Vocational Education Council (SVEC). Additionally, some councils may require proof of income, such as a student loan or bank statement, and other relevant documentation.
It is important to keep your landlord and rental agent informed about your exemption status to avoid any confusion about council tax responsibilities. You can obtain a council tax student certificate as proof of your exemption, which can be helpful in preventing any issues with the council in the future.
While the process of applying for council tax exemption may seem daunting, it is straightforward. You can start by visiting the gov.uk council website and contacting your local council. They will be able to provide you with the necessary forms and guidance to complete your application accurately.
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Discounts
Full-time students are eligible for a Council Tax discount or exemption. If you are a full-time student, you will not have to pay Council Tax. If you receive a Council Tax bill, you can apply for an exemption through the government website. However, if you live with non-students, you will need to pay Council Tax for your home, but you may qualify for a discount on your bill.
To qualify as a full-time student, your course must meet certain criteria. If you do not meet the specific criteria of a full-time student, you may still receive a discount on your Council Tax bill or be exempt under different criteria listed by the government.
If you are living with people who don't count as adults for Council Tax purposes, such as full-time students, a discount is applied to the bill. For example, if you share with an employed person or a part-time student, they will probably be liable for 75% of the Council Tax bill. There is a 25% discount because there is only one eligible adult in the property. If you share with two or more employed people who aren't students, they are likely to be liable for 100% of the Council Tax bill unless one or both of them qualify as a disregarded person for Council Tax discount purposes.
Some councils will give students a tax exemption certificate as proof that they don't have to pay. Having a Council Tax student certificate will be helpful if the council does house checks on those who haven't paid Council Tax. As soon as you move into a property after being a full-time student, you will need to start paying Council Tax. If you intend to return to your course, the council will still class you as a full-time student.
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Proof of student status
In the UK, full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. However, this exemption does not extend to part-time students, who will be liable for council tax payments.
If you are a full-time student, you may need to provide proof of your student status to your accommodation provider and the local council. This is especially important if you live with non-students, as they may expect you to contribute to the council tax bill.
To prove your student status, you can provide a Confirmation of Study letter or a certificate from your university or college. This document confirms your full-time student status and can be sent to the local council to apply for a council tax exemption. Some councils may also provide students with a tax exemption certificate as proof that they are exempt from paying council tax.
If you are an exchange student studying full-time, you may still qualify for exemption if your home educational establishment is in a Member State of the European Union. In this case, you can contact your university's Money and Housing Advice team for support with council tax enquiries.
If you are a full-time student who has interrupted their studies, you can request a letter for council tax exemption from your university. This applies if you were previously enrolled as a full-time student and intend to return to your course.
If your teaching does not take place on campus or you live in off-site accommodation, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your student status. In this case, it is recommended to contact your university's advice centre or Citizen's Advice for guidance.
It is important to note that council tax regulations can vary, and you should always check with your local council to confirm the specific requirements and discounts available for students.
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Frequently asked questions
No, full-time students don't usually have to pay council tax in the UK. However, if you live with non-students, you may be liable for some council tax.
You can prove your student status by providing a 'Certificate of Student Status' or a 'Council Tax exemption certificate' (often called a 'student certificate'). You can also use a 'Statement of Student Status' from your Portico account.
If you receive a council tax bill but believe you are exempt, you can apply for an exemption through the government website.
