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Paying council tax on a empty second property on the market

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rkc86
rkc86 Posts: 37 Forumite
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in House buying, renting & selling
I have a second home in St. Helens that is empty & unfurnished on the market for sale since July, which qualifies for 1 month discount only.

I am currently paying my council tax in Birmingham as my main residence.

Am I not entitled to some discount? Wouldn't it be cheaper to lie and apply for single person occupancy under different name and get 25% discount?

Thanks.
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  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite
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    Because tax fraud is always such a great idea.
  • 00ec25
    00ec25 Posts: 9,123 Forumite
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    edited 15 October 2019 at 8:29AM
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    rkc86 wrote: »
    I have a second home in St. Helens that is empty & unfurnished on the market for sale since July, which qualifies for 1 month discount only.

    I am currently paying my council tax in Birmingham as my main residence.

    Am I not entitled to some discount? Wouldn't it be cheaper to lie and apply for single person occupancy under different name and get 25% discount?

    Thanks.
    Pointless question. Obvious answer.
    Discount facts can be looked at on your council website if you can be bothered.
  • G_M
    G_M Posts: 51,977 Forumite
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    rkc86 wrote: »
    Am I not entitled to some discount?
    I don't know as like you I can't be bothered to look up the St Helens council website.
    Wouldn't it be cheaper to lie and apply for single person occupancy under different name and get 25% discount?
    Yes. My rather basic maths confirms that it would be cheaper.

    My equally basic knowledge of the criminal law suggests that as well as prosecution and a fine, you could have your property taken away under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
  • theartfullodger
    theartfullodger Posts: 14,601 Forumite
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    If that's bothering you the CGT bill may be fun to watch. Do let us know.
  • boo_star
    boo_star Posts: 3,202 Forumite
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    https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/council-tax/reduce-your-bill/

    Is it that difficult?
  • pinkshoes
    pinkshoes Posts: 20,089 Forumite
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    In some areas, council tax is more than 100% on empty properties!
    Should've = Should HAVE (not 'of')
    Would've = Would HAVE (not 'of')

    No, I am not perfect, but yes I do judge people on their use of basic English language. If you didn't know the above, then learn it! (If English is your second language, then you are forgiven!)
  • 00ec25
    00ec25 Posts: 9,123 Forumite
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    pinkshoes wrote: »
    In some areas, council tax is more than 100% on empty properties!
    in ALL areas - again just a matter of looking up the empty homes rule and the associated time limit set by statute law
  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
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    G_M wrote: »
    Yes. My rather basic maths confirms that it would be cheaper.

    My equally basic knowledge of the criminal law suggests that as well as prosecution and a fine, you could have your property taken away under the Proceeds of Crime Act.



    As it's also fraud potentially a custodial sentence also
  • AdrianC
    AdrianC Posts: 42,189 Forumite
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    rkc86 wrote: »
    I have a second home in St. Helens that is empty & unfurnished on the market for sale since July
    So - let's actually address the real cause of the issue, rather than the OP's attempts to work around it.

    Why hasn't it had any interest yet?

    C'mon, OP - it's RM link time...
  • davidmcn
    davidmcn Posts: 23,596 Forumite
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    Comms69 wrote: »
    As it's also fraud potentially a custodial sentence also
    Yes, but apart from all that, it's a great money-saving tip :money:
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