COUNCIL TAX BILL EXPLAINED

WHAT IS COUNCIL TAX?

It is a local taxation in England, Scotland and Wales for domestic property, which is collected by the local council.

The council tax bill states the following:

1. how much you need to pay for a year;
2. dates when to pay;
3. how the amount has worked out.

There are several ways on  how to pay the council tax. Find them here:

1. online https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax
2. Cash payments: Paypoint, Payzone, or Quickcards at the post offices, news agents and convenience stores.

You’ll also be able to know how much your council is charging you for council tax by using this link here: https://www.gov.uk/pay-council-tax . You just need to enter the post code where the property is located.

The bill payment is the responsibility of the person living in the property, either the:

1. Owner-occupant, or
2. Tenants living in privately rented or council accommodation.

WHO HAS TO PAY? 

Those 18 years old and above and OWN or RENT a home has to pay the council tax.

HOW MUCH DISCOUNT IS AVAILABLE?

1. NO DISCOUNT if two (2) adults are living together in a home.
2. 25% off if you live on your own or no one else in your household counts as an adult.
3. 50% off if no one is living in your home,including yourself, counts as an adult.
4. NO PAYMENT of council tax if everyone in your home, including yourself is a full time student.

WHO DOESN’T COUNT AS AN ADULT?

1. Children under 18
2. People on some apprentice scheme
3. 18 and 19-year-olds in full time education
4. Full time college and university students
5. Young people under 25 who get funding from the Skills Funding Agency or Young People’s Learning Agency
6. Student nurses
7. Foreign language assistants registered with the British Council
8. People with severe mental impairment
9. Live-in carers who look after someone who isn’t their spouse, or child under 18
10. Diplomats

HOW DOES A PROPERTY GET ASSESSMENT AND ASSIGNED WITH A COUNCIL TAX BAND?

The Valuation Office Agency for England and Wales (VOA) is the agency responsible for assessing properties in order to place them in a council tax band. The assessment is based on the following criteria:

1. size
2. layout
3. character
4. location
5. change in use (if applicable)
6. value on a certain date (depending on location)

COUNCIL TAX BANDS AND THEIRS RANGES OF VALUE 

A. ENGLAND

B. SCOTLAND

C. WALES

WHAT DOES A COUNCIL TAX BILL LOOK LIKE?

The sample I have here is from Blackpool Council.