1. Can I pay less Council Tax?
  2. Can I pay less Council Tax?

Can I pay less Council Tax?

Did you know that you can view your Council Tax account online?

You will need your reference number and on line key from your most recent Council Tax bill.

On this page you will find information on:

Can I get any help if I am on a low income?

Council Tax Reduction may be available for those on low income for more information please visit the benefits explained page. 

Can I get a reduction on my Council Tax?

Reductions are available to some residents depending on their circumstances.  The Scottish Government’s Council Tax Reduction scheme is available to:

  • Tenants (local authority, social landlord or private landlord)
  • An owner-occupier

To make an application follow this link

We need (for you and your partner, if applicable) the following information

Do I get a reduction if I live on my own?

If you are the only person over 18 living at the property, you may be entitled to a discount. Visit our discounts and reductions page. 

Do I need to tell you that my child has turned 18?

You only need to tell us if you are claiming any discounts for Council Tax.  Changes in your circumstances can affect your entitlement. For example, 18 is the age that the Council Tax Reduction scheme changes dependants to non-dependants. If your circumstances have changed please fill in this form. 

Do I get a discount because I am a student or because I live with students?

We don’t include full time students in the total number of adults for Council Tax.  If all the residents of a property are full time students then you may be eligible for an exemption, apply for an exemption. If you are a single person living with students then you may be eligible for a discount.  More information on discounts and application forms. 

My property is empty, do I still have to pay my Council Tax?

The table below shows what Exemptions, Discounts and Premiums are applicable for certain types of unoccupied properties:

Type of property

From 1 April 2019

Unoccupied and Unfurnished

No charge for up to 6 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

50% Discount after 6 months up to 12 months

 

200% charge after 12 months

 

 

Unoccupied and Unfurnished properties marketed for sale or rent

No charge for up to 6 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

50% Discount after 6 months up to 12 months

 

10% Discount after 12 months up to 24 months

 

200% charge after 24 months

 

 

Unoccupied but furnished properties

10% Discount for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

200% charge after 12 months

 

 

Unoccupied but furnished properties marketed for sale or rent

10% Discount for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

10% Discount after 12 months up to 24 months

 

200% charge after 24 months

 

 

Unoccupied and Unfurnished New Build properties

No charge for up to 6 months from when the property was first added to the Council Tax Valuation list

 

50% Discount after 6 months up to 12 months

 

100% charge after 12 months up to 24 months

 

200% charge after 24 months

 

 

Unoccupied and Undergoing (or has undergone) major repair works or structural alteration

No charge for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

200% charge after 12 months

 

 

Unoccupied and Undergoing (or has undergone) major repair works or structural alteration and marketed for sale or rent

No charge for up to 12 months from the date the property was last occupied

 

10% Discount after 12 months up to 24 months

 

200% charge after 24 months

 

 

Newly purchased properties which remain unoccupied and are requiring major work to render it habitable or undergoing structural repair to bring them back in to use

50% Discount for up to 6 months from when the property was purchased

 

200% charge after 6 months

 

 

Properties purchased after 1 April 2019 that have been empty for more than 12 months and remain unoccupied whilst undergoing modernisation/renovation to bring the property back into use

100% charge for 6 months

 

 

200% charge after 6 months

 

 

Furnished properties which are no one’s sole or main residence but are lived in for at least 25 days per year (Second Homes)

100% charge

To find out more about Discounts and Exemptions or to apply for these.

Do I get a discount in my Council Tax if I am renovating my property?

If work to the property makes it incapable of being lived in, you may qualify for a discount.  The discount is for a maximum of 12 months from the date the property was last occupied.  Please use this form to apply for a discount.

Which properties are exempt from Council Tax?

Empty properties are exempt if:

  • they are being structurally repaired
  • they have been unfurnished for less than six months
  • the person responsible for paying Council Tax has died.

Occupied properties may be exempt if the occupiers are all:

  • under 18
  • full time students
  • people who are severely mentally impaired.

You do not pay Council Tax for the period of any exemption.

Who qualifies for Council Tax discount?

A person living alone may get a 25% discount.  This discount may apply if only one of the residents is liable for council tax.  If no one living in the property is eligible for Council Tax, we may grant a 50% discount.  Some examples of people who are not eligible are:

  • those aged under 18
  • students,
  • those in long-term care
  • people with a severe mental impairment,
  • apprentices. 

Second homes that are not the main residence may get a 10% discount. Our Discounts and Reductions page has more information and applications forms.