Student council tax
The good news or the bad news? The bad news is, that council tax exists. The good news is, that as a student you are exempt from paying for it. The powers that be, have determined that any person in fulltime or part time education are not required to pay council tax. This can be a huge relief on a household that is already harangued by inexorable bills- especially if the household is occupied by a mixture of professionals and students, as it downsizes the overall fee- this being so, you must apply for a discount online.
How many hours must I study a year to still fall short of the fee you ask? The rules stipulate that: the course must last at least 24 weeks of the academic year and be for at least 21 hours per week of study, tuition or work placement (or any combination). Your studies must also last at least one year to qualify.
As a student, if you move into an accommodation and receive a council tax bill, then you must notify the council immediately. You will need to make a copy of a document that proves your enrollment as a student- e.g. an acceptance letter. Upon receiving this document they will update their records and cease sending you bills.
Council tax
If you are confused as to how the whole process kick starts then get in touch with your local council. If you are living in London, locate the borough that you are stationed in and approach them via phone or letter- a phone call is always more responsive however.
Just to bare in mind- if ever you fail to pay for your council tax, you will be breaking the law. First a you are issued a first reminder, then a second reminder, then a final notice, then a summons, then a liability order- if the payment is still not settled you risk committal to prison. Scary huh?
As trepidation grips you, fear not- this is nothing for you to worry about if you are studying, so lap up the council tax chasm, and fill the gap with more congenial pursuits. Be wary however that once the student chords are severed, the elusive council tax will be there to greet you with open arms- and should be something to consider when budgeting for an accommodation. Many places offer to include the council tax in the overall price, so if this tax issue seems too perplexing or daunting for you, it can be avoided…. Albeit transiently.
If you’re curious as to where they money is spent, the money is streamed into services such as: police, fire, recycling, parks and open spaces, street cleaning, public transport, tourism, museums, social housing grants, housing and council tax benefits, and many others.
As harsh as council tax may seem when you’re short of a spare nickel, just remember that our system is predicated on a tax system that re-injects money back into the community- money that opts to go back into society should be viewed expressly with compliance.