Council Tax Exemptions

Exempt properties

The following list of exemptions is only a guide. Some exemptions may not be applicable depending on individual circumstances. 

Some occupied properties may not have to pay Council Tax. This includes properties that are:

• only occupied by students
• only occupied by people aged under 18
• only occupied by people who have a severe mental impairment
• occupied by a diplomat or member of certain international organisations
• occupied by an elderly or disabled person living in part of a home (an annexe) with a relative living in the rest of it

Empty properties may be exempt if they:

• are owned by a charity (these are exempt for up to 6 months)
• are left empty by someone who has been detained or who is in prison
• are left empty by someone who has moved to provide or receive personal care
• are left empty by someone who has moved to a care home
• are waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted (after someone has died) and for up to six months after
• are the responsibility of a trustee on behalf of someone who is bankrupt
• are waiting to be lived in by a minister of religion
• have been repossessed
• have no-one allowed to live in them by law

Forces barracks and married quarters are also exempt, and people living there will contribute to the cost of local services through a special arrangement with us.

How to apply

For Student Discounts

• If you are a full time student at the University of Essex you will need your PRID
• If you are studying elsewhere, you will need a document from your place of study which confirms your course dates and whether you are a full or part time student

For Severe Mental Impairment Discounts

• You will need evidence of a qualifying benefit
• Evidence to support your claim such as letters from your Specialist or evidence of your care plan

For Charity Exemptions

If you are not a registered charity, you will need a letter from HMRC to confirm you are exempt from paying tax as you are considered to be a charity.

For Annexe Exemptions

For Job Related Discounts

We may be able to award a 50% job-related discount if you must leave your home for a period of time to take up residence in accommodation provided by your employer. For example, if you are a minister of religion required to live in a vicarage.

To apply or find out more about this discount, email council.tax@colchester.gov.uk.

For all other Council Tax exemptions

For all other exemption applications, email council.tax@colchester.gov.uk.