Student council tax in England: when you pay nothing

A full Council Tax bill assumes at least two adults live in a home. But full-time students are "disregarded" for this tax — they are left out of the count. So students often pay no Council Tax at all, or pay at a discount. Here are the rules, the thresholds and how to claim.

Who counts as a full-time student?

Your course must last at least one year and involve at least 21 hours of study per week. For under-20s studying up to A level the rule is gentler: a course of at least 3 months and at least 12 hours a week. Full-time study at a college or university qualifies, including for international students on such courses.

When is nothing due at all?

If everyone living in the home is a full-time student, no Council Tax is due. The exemption is not automatic — you must apply to your local council and prove your status, usually with a certificate of student status. While you are on a full-time course, your status continues through the holidays between academic years.

What if a working adult lives with the student?

Then a bill is sent, but at a discount. You get 25% off if you are the only adult who counts — that is, everyone else in the home is disregarded (for example you work and the others are students). If everyone in the home is disregarded but still billed, the discount is 50%.

Who else is disregarded?

As well as students, the count leaves out: under-18s; apprentices, if their employer confirms pay of no more than £195 a week and the training leads to an accredited qualification; 18 to 19 year olds in full-time education; student nurses; under-25s on training funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency; foreign language assistants registered with the British Council; the severely mentally impaired; live-in carers; and diplomats.

How to apply — and if a full bill arrives

You apply to your local council for the discount or exemption — even if you are disregarded, you must apply yourself. The council will send a form or an online claim and ask for proof of status. Do it as soon as you move in. If a full bill has already arrived, still apply: the discount is usually backdated to when you became eligible, and any overpayment is refunded or set against future bills.