Hey there fellow students, have you ever wondered about the confusing world of council tax? More specifically, have you ever asked yourself the question “is a student a liable person for council tax?” With so many expenses to worry about during university, it’s understandable that council tax might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, the answer to this question could potentially save you a lot of money in the long run. So, let’s explore this topic further and get some clarity on the issue.
Council tax is a bill that is charged to households in the UK to help pay for services such as rubbish collection, road maintenance, and street lighting. However, there are exemptions to this tax for certain groups of people, including students. This brings us back to the question of whether or not students are liable for council tax. It’s an important question to ask because the answer could have a significant impact on your finances.
The rules around council tax exemptions for students can be quite complicated, so it’s important to understand where you stand. In general, if you’re a full-time student living in a residence that’s solely occupied by other full-time students, you won’t have to pay council tax. However, if you’re living with non-students or with someone who isn’t a full-time student, you may be liable for council tax. So, it’s important to know the rules and make sure you’re not being charged more than you should be.
Definition of Council Tax
Council tax is a charge imposed on residential properties by local authorities in the United Kingdom. It is a type of tax that is collected to fund local services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and local police services. Council tax was introduced in 1993, replacing the previous system of a poll tax which was deemed unfair and led to widespread protests.
Liability for Council Tax – Are Students Liable?
- Full-time students who live in halls of residence provided by their educational institution are generally exempt from paying council tax. The institution will normally pay the council tax on behalf of the student.
- Students who live in shared accommodation are liable for their share of the council tax bill if they have a tenancy agreement in their name (or jointly with others).
- If all occupants of a shared household are full-time students, the property will be exempt from council tax. However, if one person is not a student, they will have to pay council tax.
Council Tax Bands
Council tax is calculated based on the value of a property as of April 1, 1991. Properties are assigned to one of eight council tax valuation bands (A to H) based on their value, with band A being the lowest and band H being the highest. Each local council sets its own council tax rate, which is based on the total amount needed to fund services in their area and the number of properties in each band.
The table below shows the current council tax rates for each band for 2021/2022 in England:
| Band | Value of Property as of April 1, 1991 | Council Tax Rate (2021/2022) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,138.82 |
| B | Over £40,000 and up to £52,000 | £1,329.38 |
| C | Over £52,000 and up to £68,000 | £1,519.97 |
| D | Over £68,000 and up to £88,000 | £1,710.52 |
| E | Over £88,000 and up to £120,000 | £2,091.73 |
| F | Over £120,000 and up to £160,000 | £2,472.93 |
| G | Over £160,000 and up to £320,000 | £2,854.13 |
| H | Over £320,000 | £3,424.96 |
Note that rates and bands can vary for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Council Tax Exemption Criteria
As a student, you may be exempt from paying council tax. The following criteria can determine your eligibility:
- Full-time student: If you are enrolled in a full-time course and studying for at least one academic year, you may be exempt from paying council tax.
- Part-time student: If you are a part-time student, you may still be able to claim exemption from council tax if you are not working and studying for at least 21 hours per week.
- Residency: If you are living in a hall of residence or student accommodation that is owned by the education institution, you may be exempt from paying council tax.
Exemption for Full-Time Students
Full-time students are generally exempt from paying council tax. However, you need to meet certain criteria to be eligible. To qualify for council tax exemption:
- You must be enrolled in a full-time course that lasts at least one academic year.
- You must be a student. This means you are studying for a recognized qualification and attending classes or lectures for at least 24 weeks each academic year.
- You must live in a property that is solely occupied by other students or is a hall of residence.
If you are eligible, you can apply to your local council to claim council tax exemption. You will need to provide proof of your student status, such as your student ID or a letter from your education institution.
Exemption for Part-Time Students
If you are a part-time student, you may still be able to claim exemption from council tax. To qualify for exemption:
- You must not be working or only working part-time.
- You must be studying for at least 21 hours each week.
- You must be enrolled in a course that leads to a recognized qualification.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply to your local council for council tax exemption. You will need to provide proof of your student status, such as your student ID or a letter from your education institution.
Council Tax Exemption for Student Accommodation
If you are living in a hall of residence or student accommodation that is owned by your education institution, you may be exempt from paying council tax. This exemption applies as long as all the occupiers of the property are students. If there are any non-students living in the property, such as a partner or family member, you will not be exempt from council tax.
| Class of Occupancy | Students only | Non-students living in property |
|---|---|---|
| Hall of Residence | Exempt | Not exempt |
| Student Accommodation | Exempt | Not exempt |
If you are uncertain about your eligibility for council tax exemption as a student, contact your local council for guidance.
Council Tax Liability for Students
As a student, you may be wondering if you’re responsible for paying council tax. The answer to this question isn’t straightforward, and it depends on your specific circumstances. Here are some factors that determine your council tax liability as a student.
- Full-Time Students: If you’re a full-time student, you’re generally exempt from paying council tax. This means that you won’t be responsible for paying council tax on your own, even if you’re living outside of student accommodation.
- Part-Time Students: If you’re a part-time student, you’ll be responsible for paying council tax if you’re not living in student accommodation. However, you may be eligible for a discount, depending on your specific circumstances.
- Postgraduate Students: Postgraduate students may also be eligible for council tax exemptions if they’re undertaking a course that is longer than a year and requires a minimum of 21 hours of study per week.
It’s important to note that even if you are exempt from council tax, you’ll still need to inform your local council that you’re a student. This will help them determine if you’re eligible for any discounts or exemptions.
If you’re not sure if you’re liable for council tax, it’s always best to contact your local council. They’ll be able to provide you with specific information based on your circumstances.
Student Discounts on Council Tax
Some students may be eligible for council tax discounts, even if they’re not exempt from paying council tax. Here are some discounts that you may be able to apply for:
- Single Occupancy Discounts: If you’re living alone, you may be eligible for a single occupancy discount. This can range from 25% to 50% off your council tax bill.
- Disability Discounts: If you have a disability, you may be eligible for a council tax discount. The amount of the discount will depend on your specific situation.
- Low Income Discounts: If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible for a council tax discount. The amount of the discount will depend on your income and other factors.
If you think you may be eligible for a council tax discount, you should contact your local council and ask about your options. You may need to provide evidence of your circumstances to qualify for a discount.
Penalties for Non-Payment of Council Tax
If you’re liable for council tax and you don’t pay, you can face penalties and legal action. Here are some consequences of non-payment of council tax:
| Consequences | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine | You can be fined up to £70 for non-payment of council tax. |
| Court Action | Your local council may take legal action against you to recover the debt. |
| Debt Collection | Your council may use debt collection agencies to recover the debt. |
| Bailiff Action | If all other avenues have failed, bailiffs may be used to recover the debt. This can involve seizing your belongings to sell at auction. |
If you’re struggling to pay your council tax, it’s important to contact your local council and discuss your options. They may be able to arrange a payment plan or offer other forms of support to help you manage your bill.
Part-time student council tax liability
If you are a student, you may be exempt from paying council tax or may be eligible for a discount. However, if you are a part-time student, your council tax liability may differ from a full-time student. Here’s what you need to know about council tax liability as a part-time student.
- If you are a part-time student and the only person living in a property, you are eligible for a 25% discount on council tax.
- If you live with other students who are full-time students, you may be exempt from paying council tax. However, if one of your housemates is a part-time student, you may be eligible for a council tax discount, but it depends on the situation.
- If you live with non-students, you may be liable to pay council tax. However, your liability may be reduced if you are a student and are sharing the property with other students or non-students.
It’s essential to note that the council tax liability rules may differ depending on your location and circumstances. Therefore, you must check with your local council to determine your council tax obligation as a part-time student.
Here’s an example of how council tax liability may apply to a part-time student living with non-students:
| Household situation | Council tax liability |
|---|---|
| A part-time student living with one non-student | The part-time student is eligible for a council tax discount, and the non-student is responsible for paying the full council tax. |
| A part-time student living with two non-students | The part-time student is exempt from council tax, and the two non-students are responsible for paying the full council tax. |
It’s crucial to keep in mind that council tax liability can be a complex issue, and you may require further information and guidance. It’s advisable to reach out to your local council and ensure that you understand your council tax liability and eligibility as a part-time student.
Council Tax Discounts for Students
Students in the UK are entitled to certain exemptions and discounts on Council Tax, a tax levied on households in the UK to fund local council services such as waste disposal, public works, and emergency services. The Council Tax is charged based on the value of the property and the number of individuals living in it. However, full-time college or university students are typically exempt from Council Tax in certain circumstances.
- Single occupancy discount: If you are living alone, regardless of whether you are a student or not, you can claim a 25% Council Tax discount. This means that if you share a house with other students, you will not be eligible for this discount. However, you might still be exempt from paying the tax altogether.
- Exemption during term-time: If all the occupants of the property are full-time students, you could be 100% exempt from the tax. This exemption only applies during term-time, and it might be revoked if any of the residents are not registered as full-time students.
- Exemption for the summer break: During the summer break, full-time students living in a property might be entitled to a Council Tax exemption. However, this only applies if no other non-student is living in the property during the summer break.
In order to claim the exemption or discount, you will need a student status certificate from your university, which proves that you are enrolled full-time in a course of education. You can also contact your local council to ask for further guidance and advice.
Finally, it is important to note that the rules and exemptions around Council Tax for students might vary depending on your location, your living arrangements, and your individual case. Therefore, it is always best to check with your local council or seek professional advice to understand your rights and obligations.
If you are a full-time student, make sure to take advantage of the Council Tax discounts and exemptions that might apply to you, and save yourself some money that you can put towards your studies.
Council tax arrears for students
One of the common misconceptions about council tax for students is that they are automatically exempted from paying this kind of tax. The truth is, it depends on several factors, such as the student’s accommodation, course status, and residency status.
It is important to note that even if a student is exempt from paying council tax, the exemption only applies to their individual portion of the bill. If they share a house with non-student individuals, the non-student housemates still need to pay their respective council tax bills.
- Full-time Students
- Part-time Students
- Non-UK Students
Full-time students are exempted from paying council tax. However, this only applies if the student is enrolled in a course that requires at least 21 hours of study per week for a minimum of 24 weeks per year.
If a student is enrolled in a course that requires less than 21 hours of study per week, they are not exempt from paying council tax. This means that they have to pay their respective council tax bills, similar to non-student individuals.
For non-UK students, the rule regarding council tax exemption is a bit complicated. If they are classified as “international students,” they are generally not liable to pay council tax. However, if they are classified as “settled” or “pre-settled” in the UK, they may be liable to pay council tax.
If a student fails to pay their respective council tax bills, they may incur council tax arrears. These arrears can be problematic, as it can negatively affect their credit ratings and lead to enforcement action from the council. It is essential to contact the council immediately to come up with a payment plan and avoid further problems regarding council tax arrears.
| Council Tax Band | Annual Charge (2021/2022) |
|---|---|
| Band A | £1,178.63 |
| Band B | £1,374.85 |
| Band C | £1,571.08 |
| Band D | £1,767.30 |
| Band E | £2,159.75 |
| Band F | £2,552.20 |
| Band G | £2,944.65 |
| Band H | £3,533.58 |
It is crucial for students to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to council tax. By doing so, they can avoid council tax arrears and other council tax-related problems.
Council tax support for low-income students
As a student, you may be eligible for council tax support if you have a low income.
- Council tax support is a reduction in your council tax bill. It’s not a benefit or a grant, and you don’t have to pay it back.
- To be eligible for council tax support, you must be on a low income and be the person responsible for paying the council tax bill.
- The amount of council tax support you can receive depends on your income and circumstances, such as the number of people in your household.
If you’re a full-time student, you’re not usually liable to pay council tax, as long as you’re studying at an eligible educational institution. However, if you’re studying part-time, or you’re taking a break in your studies, you may become liable for council tax.
If you’re a low-income student and you’re liable for council tax, you may be able to get council tax support. This can help with the cost of your council tax bill, and can make a big difference to your finances.
To apply for council tax support, you’ll need to contact your local council. They’ll ask you about your income and circumstances, and they’ll work out how much support you’re entitled to. Make sure you apply as soon as possible, as council tax bills can be difficult to pay if you’re on a low income.
| Criteria | Maximum reduction in council tax bill |
|---|---|
| You are the only adult in your household | 25% |
| You have a dependent child or children | 25% |
| You are a full-time student with no dependents | exempt |
If you’re struggling to pay your council tax bill, don’t ignore it. Contact your local council as soon as possible and ask about council tax support. They’ll be able to tell you what help is available, and can work with you to find a solution that suits your circumstances.
Is a student a liable person for council tax?
Q: What is council tax and who is liable to pay it?
A: Council tax is a local tax that is imposed on domestic properties. Generally, the resident of the property is liable to pay the council tax.
Q: Are students exempt from paying council tax?
A: Not all students are exempt from paying council tax. However, full-time students who live in a property solely inhabited by other students are exempt from paying council tax.
Q: What if only one student lives in a property with non-students?
A: In this case, the full council tax needs to be paid. The student can apply for a 25% discount.
Q: What if a student lives with non-student family members?
A: In this case, the entire household is liable for the council tax, but the student will not be counted for calculating the council tax.
Q: Can international students get exempted from council tax?
A: Yes. International students can claim exemption from council tax if they are enrolled in a full-time course of study at a government-recognized institution.
Q: Who is responsible for paying the council tax on student accommodation?
A: If the student accommodation is owned or managed by the university or college, then they are responsible for paying the council tax. However, if the accommodation is privately rented, then tenants are responsible for paying the council tax.
Closing thoughts
Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable information about whether a student is liable for council tax. Remember, if you are a full-time student living in a property solely inhabited by other students, then you are exempt from paying council tax. If you need further information or have any questions, please contact your local council. Thanks for reading our article. Please visit us again for more informative content.