Who is exempt from Council Tax?
Some people and some properties are exempt from Council Tax altogether, while others are disregarded so they do not add to the adult count. The main exemptions cover specific groups, such as students, and particular property situations, such as homes left empty after a death. You claim the relevant exemption from your council.
See everything you may qualify for — benefits, grants, reductions and reliefs — in about 3 minutes. Free to check.
Check what you're owed →There are two related ideas. Disregarded people, such as full-time students, certain carers, apprentices and those with severe mental impairment, are simply not counted as adults, which can produce a discount or, where everyone is disregarded, a full exemption. This is about who lives in the home.
Separately, certain properties are exempt by their nature or situation, set out as exemption classes. Examples include a home occupied only by students, a property left empty after the sole occupier has died while the estate is settled, and an annexe lived in by a dependent relative. This is about the property itself.
Because there are many specific categories, it is easy to qualify without realising it, especially after a change such as a bereavement, a move into care, or a household becoming all-students. It is worth reviewing your situation against the categories and checking discounts, reductions and benefits alongside any exemption.
How to check if you are exempt from Council Tax
- Review the people. Check whether anyone in your home is in a disregarded group such as students or carers.
- Review the property. Check whether your property situation matches an exemption class.
- Apply to the council. Claim the relevant exemption or disregard from your council with supporting evidence.
- Check other help. Look at discounts, reductions and benefits that may apply alongside any exemption.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between disregarded and exempt?
- A disregarded person is not counted as an adult, which can give a discount, while an exempt property has no charge at all. Some homes are exempt because everyone in them is disregarded.
- Which people are commonly not counted?
- Full-time students, certain carers, apprentices, those with severe mental impairment, under-18s and some young people leaving education, among others.
- Which properties are commonly exempt?
- All-student homes, properties left empty after a death while the estate is settled, and annexes lived in by a dependent relative, among other classes.
- How do I know if I qualify?
- Review your household and property against the categories and ask your council. A change like a bereavement or move into care often creates an exemption.
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