Council Tax is an annual charge paid to your local council that funds local services like rubbish collection, policing, road maintenance and libraries. If you are 18 or over and you live in a property as your main home, you usually have to pay it. This guide explains how it is worked out, the discounts newcomers most often qualify for, and how to register. It is general information, not financial advice.
Who has to pay
Council Tax is normally paid by the residents of a home. If you rent, you usually pay it, not the landlord, unless you live in a house in multiple occupation (HMO), where the landlord is often liable. Couples and joint tenants are jointly responsible for one bill per home. Importantly, Council Tax is not a “public fund” for immigration purposes, so you pay it regardless of your immigration status.
How the bill is worked out
Every home is placed in a valuation band based on what it was worth on a set historical date. Your bill depends on your band and the rates your council sets each year. In England and Scotland bands run from A to H, and in Wales from A to I. Band A is the cheapest and the highest band the most expensive.
| Nation | Bands | Valuation date |
|---|---|---|
| England | A to H | Property value on 1 April 1991 |
| Scotland | A to H | Property value on 1 April 1991 |
| Wales | A to I | Property value on 1 April 2003 |
Discounts you may qualify for
Several discounts and exemptions matter to newcomers.
- Single-person discount: if you are the only adult in the home, you get 25 percent off the bill.
- Full-time students: a household where everyone is a full-time student is usually exempt from Council Tax entirely. A student living with one non-student may get the 25 percent discount.
- Council Tax Reduction: people on a low income or certain benefits may get a further reduction, though eligibility can depend on your immigration status.
You have to apply for most discounts, they are not automatic. Contact your local council to claim.
How to register when you move in
Tell your local council as soon as you move into a property. You can usually do this online through the council’s website by giving your address and move-in date. Registering promptly matters because Council Tax is a legal duty, and councils can backdate charges and add penalties if you delay. To find the right council, use the GOV.UK find your local council tool.
How you pay
Council Tax is usually split into 10 monthly instalments from April to January, though you can ask to spread it over 12 months. Most people pay by direct debit. If you fall behind, contact the council early, because unpaid Council Tax is pursued firmly.
Frequently asked questions
Do renters pay Council Tax?
Usually yes. Tenants normally pay Council Tax on the home they rent. The main exception is a house in multiple occupation, where the landlord is often responsible.
I live alone. Do I get a discount?
Yes. A single adult occupant gets a 25 percent single-person discount, but you must apply for it through your council.
Are students exempt from Council Tax?
A household where everyone is a full-time student is usually fully exempt. If a student lives with one non-student adult, the home may get a 25 percent discount instead.
Does immigration status affect Council Tax?
No. Council Tax is not a public fund, so you pay it whatever your status. However, the separate Council Tax Reduction for low-income households can depend on your status.
Council Tax is one of several move-in tasks. See our first 30 days settling-in guide for the full checklist, our renting guide for tenant responsibilities, and the money guide for budgeting.
