Exemptions

Some properties are exempt from Council Tax. If you own or occupy a property that is described below and your bill does not show that an exemption has been granted, please contact us for advice.

Unoccupied property exemptions

A property is exempt from paying Council Tax if it is empty and

• A. It requires or are undergoing structural or major repairs to make it liveable (free for up to one year, or 6 months after complete, whichever is first)
• B. It is owned by a charity (free for up to six months)
• C. It is unfurnished (free for up to six months)
• D. Has been left empty by someone who has gone to prison
• E. Has been empty by someone who has moved into a hospital or care home
• F. You are waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted (free for up to six months after being granted).
• G. Is empty because occupation is forbidden by law
• H. It is waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
• I. Has been left empty by someone who lives elsewhere to receive personal care
• J. Has been left empty by someone who has moved out to care for another person
• K. It is owned by a student and was last occupied by that student
• L. Has been repossessed
• Q. Is the responsibility of a bankrupt's trustee
• R. Is a site for an individual caravan or mobile home, or a mooring
• T. Is difficult to let because it is linked to, or in the grounds of, another property and may not be let separately from that other property without breaching planning permission. The liable person must, however, live in the other property to qualify.

Occupied property exemptions

Properties that are lived in are exempt if

• M. It is a Student Hall of Residence
• N. It is a property occupied entirely by students
• O. It is a forces barracks and married quarters. Their occupants will contribute to the cost of local services through a special arrangement.
• P. At least one liable person is a member of a visiting force
• S. All the residents are less than 18 years old
• U. All the residents are severely mentally impaired
• V. At least one liable person is a foreign diplomat
• W. It is annexed to a family home and occupied by that family's elderly or disabled relatives.

Further Information

The above are only broad descriptions of the available exemptions. To check if you are eligible, or for further advice, please contact us.

Please remember, while you are waiting for the outcome of an application, you must continue to pay your current bill. If you are having difficulties paying the bill, please contact us immediately.

Reviews

Exemptions are reviewed at least once each year. We may ask you to provide information to helps us to do this. If you do not supply this information, we may need to cancel your entitlement.

Change of Circumstances

If your circumstances change you must contact us within 21 days.

Contact Details

For further advice about your benefits, please contact Revenues and Benefits on 0121 704 8100 or email revenues@solihull.gov.uk