Like all taxes, council taxation is something we are required by law to pay but do not particularly enjoy doing so. Having to pay council tax on a property you own that is currently empty makes the payment even less appealing.
This prompts you to begin looking up “how to avoid paying council tax on an empty property,” which is most likely how you found this page! We do say it ourselves, but you’re in good hands.
We’ll explain exactly what council tax is and why you must pay it, how to avoid broker scams, even if there is no occupancy, in addition to offering you our best advice on how to avoid paying it on an empty property.
What is Council Tax?
As the name might already suggest, council tax is the amount paid to your local council every year to go towards services in your local area. They might go towards things like bin collocation, policing, road maintenance, support for the elderly and whatever else is necessary for the area.
Every property is evaluated and put into a tax band based on its size, location, value and other factors. Through this information, you are put into a band labelled from ‘A’ to ‘H’. If you are unsure where your current house lies, you can use the government website to find out.
The bill for council tax arrives on everyone’s doorstep every April, the beginning of a new tax year and they are left with the option to pay in full or through installations.
Paying this bill is down to the homeowner or the residents living in a house, and so forth. You might be eligible for discounts on council tax or exemptions for special circumstances; if curious, you will be able to find out through the government website.
How To Avoid Paying Council Tax on Empty Property
You can attempt to avoid paying council tax, even though it is a tax like any other that has to be paid. We’ve compiled the following list of the best ways to avoid having to pay council tax on an empty property. Just kidding, reading this list will suffice.
Let Out The Property
Since the property will be occupied and the tenant will be paying the council tax, renting out the property will allow you to avoid paying an empty house council tax premium. You’ll be able to earn additional money by renting out the property, which is a huge win!
Look At Discounts
If you think you might be qualified for a council tax reduction, it might be worthwhile to get in touch with your local council. Naturally, this won’t eliminate council tax, but it will make it more manageable.
Find Out The Exemptions
Finding out if your vacant property is free from council tax is crucial. Whether that’s because the owner is incarcerated or in a care facility, or because it has been left furnished and is therefore not technically empty.
Use a Property Guardian
A property guardian is someone who lives on your property when you’re leaving it unoccupied. The guardian will pay rent and the council tax will be covered.
Final thoughts
It’s important if you can’t avoid paying council tax that you pay through a verified government website, avoid any online scams and have to pay double. This is where you will have to get in touch with your banks or investment fraud lawyers.
