Council Tax Help
Council tax is a fee or tax imposed by the government in order to provide services and fund various activities for its citizens. While local councils are responsible for collecting and managing these funds.
Council tax is a form of property tax levied in addition to other taxes that citizens must pay. This fee is typically based on the value of a person's property and the type of services available in their local area. The amount paid will depend on whether a person lives in an area with high crime rates or requires additional services such as street lighting.
Need to update your address?
You can update your council tax change of address anytime online 24 hours a day.
Local councils are responsible for ensuring that council tax payments are collected from residents and businesses, and also for creating local government budgets to use the money appropriately. This includes providing public services such as education, waste management and housing. It also includes spending money on initiatives such as parks, leisure facilities and roads maintenance.
What council tax help do you need?
Users who search for council tax online often need help with these topics in relation to council tax:
- Council Tax Rates - Rates are set by local authorities and applied to local properties to collect money from those living in the area.
- Council Tax Support - Eligible individuals may receive support with Council Tax payments.
- Business Rates - Fundamentally different from Council Tax, Business Rates provide a form of local taxation on the occupation of non-domestic property.
- Change Council Tax Address - Moving home may involve informing the council and dealing with Council Tax at your new address, update your council tax address online
- Changes in Council Tax Discounts - Eligibility for discounts may change over time.
- Council Tax Exemptions - Certain people and properties are exempt from certain types of Council Tax.
- Council Tax Arrears - Failing to pay arrears can lead to serious financial detriment.
- Updating Payment Information - Your payments may need to be up to date and accurate to avoid arrears and penalties.
- Relief Schemes - Relief schemes are available from some councils in certain circumstances.
Introduction to Council Tax
The Council Tax is a local taxation system used by local authorities in regions across the country to help them finance their activities. It is collected from households in every region and is used to fund local services such as schools, libraries, street cleaning, police and fire services. Paying the Council Tax is a legal obligation for all adults residing in these regions and the amount of tax payable depends on the value of the property and number of people living in it.
Who Is Liable for Council Tax?
The person who is primarily responsible for paying the Council Tax is known as the 'liable party', and this can be either the owner of the property or the tenant, depending on the circumstances. In cases where both an owner and tenant occupy the property, the owner is usually responsible for paying the Council Tax.
How to Calculate Your Council Tax
The amount of Council Tax payable varies from region to region, as each local authority sets its own rates and bands. To determine how much you have to pay, you must first identify the valuation band for your property. This can be found on your local authority's website or in a valuation book issued by them. The next step is to calculate your liability, which can be done using an online calculator or you can contact your local authority for help.
Exemptions and Discounts
In some cases, you may be eligible for an exemption or discount on your Council Tax bill if you are a full-time student, a single adult or if your property is not being used (for example if it is under renovation). Additionally, some regions provide discounts for households containing two or more adults. Exemption and discounts are subject to certain conditions and must be applied for with your local authority.
Paying Your Council Tax Bill
Once you have calculated your liability, you will receive an annual bill from your local authority which will outline how much you owe. Most councils allow you to pay your bill in one lump sum or in instalments spread over twelve months. You can also set up a direct debit payment to ensure that your payments are made on time each month. Alternatively, some local authorities offer credit card payments via their website or over the phone.