Council Tax exemption problem

Will_SC

Hi,

I am a former student living with five other (council tax exempt) students in a rented house. I began a masters degree this academic year (2013/14) but dropped out in December, which has made me eligible for the entire house's council tax, less the 25% single occupancy discount which comes to about £700.

I am naturally keen to reduce this figure by as much as possible, but I have been unable to find clear information from other sites. The most pressing question for me is, will the council reduce the tax for the portion of the year I was a student? As our lease runs from July-July then cutting out the July-December portion would be a significant saving.

My parents have also suggested that I move back in with them as another potential way of reducing my tax liability. However I am unclear whether this would make a difference because I am still paying a lease on my student property.

Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

CIS

The most pressing question for me is, will the council reduce the tax for the portion of the year I was a student? As our lease runs from July-July then cutting out the July-December portion would be a significant saving.

Providing you were initially enrolled on a qualifying course of education then the council tax (Class N) exemption would apply until such time as you ceased being a student. It would then revert to a 25% reduction.

My parents have also suggested that I move back in with them as another potential way of reducing my tax liability. However I am unclear whether this would make a difference because I am still paying a lease on my student property.

Providing that your 'sole or main residence' ceases to be at the property then you won't be liable for the council tax charge on the property (which would be covered by the Class N exemption for the remaining occs) - this situation would change slightly if the property was vacated by all of the occs before the end of tenancy (and your name was still on tenancy at that point).

billywhizz88

Totally agree with CIS

Will_SC

Thanks a lot for your help