How to get your council tax bill down? List of reasons YOU could get a reduction
COUNCIL TAX is a monthly payment people provide to help fund the development and maintenance of their local area, and will cost some residents more than others. How can you get a council tax reduction?
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Council tax rates are subject to change in the UK, primarily due to local policy decisions and property worth. But they also vary based on a person's living situation, with some people asked to pay more than others. People who feel the amount they pay is unfair may find their circumstances make them eligible for a deduction.
How do you get your council tax down?
Council tax has several potential modifiers based on people's circumstances.
People living without financial difficulty will have to bear the full cost.
Those with difficulties impacting their ability to earn will be able to secure a deduction depending on the rules laid out by local legislators.
Express.co.uk has compiled a list of some of the most common exemptions - read on to find out if you could be saving money on your tax bills.
READ MORE: Universal Credit claimants advised to apply for Council Tax discount
Living alone
Councils calculate tax based on the assumption two or more people live in one residence.
Anyone living alone should be able to apply for a council tax break.
Reductions could see people get at least 25 percent off their bill.
Home value changes
Councils also take into account a home's value when they create bands for their local area.
Significant decreases could see people entitled to a new banding.
Adaptations for disability or changes to the neighbourhood could grant people a deduction after communication with their local Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
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Pay changes
While not technically a change to the amount people need to pay, people can reduce their council tax burden by changing how they meet their responsibility.
Some people may pay in 10-month increments, meaning they get February off, but the bills increase.
Splitting the amount into 12-month instalments will see them spread out the costs and save some money.
Council tax exemptions
- The following groups are exempt from paying council tax altogether:
- People living in a care home or hostel
- People with an unoccupied or empty home
- People with a severe mental impairment
- People living with someone who has dementia will have the latter person exempt from council tax calculations