Student Council Tax: What is it? A Guide

For people living in the UK, you typically have to pay council tax. The amount you pay depends on where you live, as each area have a different council tax band.

Council tax payments go towards the local council, who use the money to make the area a better place to live. But not everyone needs to pay it. There are some exceptions you should know about.

To find out of you need to pay council tax as a student, keep reading.

If You’re a Full-Time Student...

Good news, if you’re a full-time student, you don’t have to pay council tax! If you get a bill through the door for council tax and start to worry, you can simply contact your local council and apply for an extension.

You are exempt from paying council tax if your course lasts at least 1 year and you are enrolled in a minimum of 21 hours of study each week, according to the official government website.

If You Have a Housemate Who Isn’t a Student...

Unfortunately, for that flatmate, they will have to pay their council tax for themselves. For any members of the household who aren’t students, they are legally obliged to pay council tax.

This won’t be a problem for anyone in student accommodation, but if you move onto a shared house with other professionals, you may encounter this. This might only be a problem for you if you are living with a partner who isn’t a student, in which case you might consider splitting the bill together – but you aren’t legally obliged to if you’re a student.

If You're Studying an A-Level...

If you’re not studying at university but you’re studying for an A-Level, you are also exempt from paying council tax.

To qualify for exemption of council tax under these circumstances, you must be under 20, the course must be at least 3 months long, and involve a minimum of 12 hours of study each week.

Other Exemptions...

There are a number of other reasons you might be exempt from paying council tax. In the case of exemption, the council must qualify you as a ‘disregarded person’. There are a few categories that would class you as such:

Full-time students
Studying A Levels under the age of 20
Under 25 undertaking government training
If you’re an overseas partner of a full-time student (i.e. a child or legal partner of the student who isn’t legally allowed to work in the UK)
Student nurses who aren’t yet qualified
Working at an apprenticeship

Now You Know All About Student Council Tax!

If you got that council tax bill through your door, you may have panicked when looking at the amount you have to pay. But don’t worry, if you fit any of these exempt categories, you won’t need to pay it. Just let the council know and you won’t get any more bills while you’re studying.

Need to find student accommodation for your time at university? Get in touch with us and we can help you out.

For people living in the UK, you typically have to pay council tax. The amount you pay depends on where you live, as each area have a different council tax band.

If You’re a Full-Time Student...

If You Have a Housemate Who Isn’t a Student...

If You're Studying an A-Level...

Other Exemptions...

Now You Know All About Student Council Tax!

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