If you are someone that is responsible for your property’s council tax payments, you will know that the figure rises with every year. It can be quite a big chunk of money depending on your Band and value of property. But is it possible you are paying too much? There are ways to get money off the headline figure. Could you pay less council tax?
Live Alone?
If you are the sole occupant of your residence then you automatically are eligible for a 25% discount on your council tax. You also get the discount if you are the sole adult in a home. In other words, if you live with children, them you will not lose your right to that discount.
Could You Pay Less Council Tax? Students
Students pay no council tax if they are in full time education. This of course assume that they are the sole adults in the residence.
Other Reductions
Those that are unemployed should be entitled to reductions on payments. If you possess a second home, with the possibility of a reduction of up to 50%. This depends on the terms of the relevant council however. It does need to be furnished, and occupied at least occasionally. Also, disabled residents can sometimes claim a bigger house as it is required by them to accommodate their special needs. You can read the full criteria for all of these on the government’s Council Tax website.
Are You Paying Too Much?
Use this government site to see what band houses around you are in. If it looks like houses around you are less, it might be worth appealing. The StreetCheck website is good to find out neighbouring postcodes. The bands are crucial to asserting what councils charge and to ascertain if your charge is right. Do not assume that everyone is charge the right amount. Mistakes are made, as in any walk of life. Values change too, so it is good to keep on top of such things. Of course be careful if you appeal as charges can go up as well as down!
Could You Pay Less Council Tax? Pay Over 12 Months?
Not a way to reduce your council tax amount, but a way to spread the cost. For some this could be a lifesaver. Personally i quite like paying over 10 months. It feels like a nice bonus to have two months without payments at the end of each financial year.
Could You Pay Less Council Tax? Utilise Credit Cards
There is another way to get a bit of money back. Some credit cards such as Santander may allow small cashback rewards for those paying for council tax via their cards and products. It may be worth you looking into if you struggle with payments. It may only be 1 or 2%, but it all adds up over the long run.
