Council tax exemptions
An exemption means that you do not need to pay council tax.
Page contents
Occupied properties
Properties exempt from council tax include properties that are only occupied by:
- students
- people who are severely mentally impaired
- under 18s
- a dependant relative living in an annexe
Unoccupied properties
Council tax is still charged on properties that are unoccupied, unfurnished or undergoing major works.
The exceptions to this are properties:
- that are waiting for probate to be granted
- where the person has moved to receive care in hospital or a care home (long-term patient)
- owned by a charity (exempt for 6 months)
- where probate has been granted (exempt for 6 months)
- where the person has been sent to prison (person in detention)
- where the person has moved to provide care to another person
- are empty due to planning restrictions or legal reasons
- waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion
- left empty by a student owner
- that have been repossessed
The above are only broad descriptions of some of the council tax exemptions available.
To find out about charges for empty properties, check our council tax charges and bands page.
Council tax relief for terminal illness
If you or a member of your household has a terminal illness, you could get up to 100% council tax relief. You will need to provide the SR1 form.
Contact us for more information:
- Phone 01454 868003
- Email counciltax@southglos.gov.uk
Apply for a council tax exemption
You can find specific exemption application forms under the downloads section on this page.
Some of the exceptions for unoccupied properties require a full application form to be completed to ensure the full criteria are met.
For exemptions that do not have a specific application form, use the details in the contact box on this page to apply, explaining which exemption you think you qualify for.
How to return your completed form
Once you have printed and completed the application form, send it to us by one of the following options:
- scan and email it to counciltax@southglos.gov.uk
- post it to us using the address in the contact box on this page
- hand in your application at one of our One Stop Shops
If you do not have printer, you can visit your nearest library or one of our One Stop Shops.
You must continue to pay your council tax until any exemption is granted.
If you do not agree with our decision about an exemption you can appeal to us in writing using the details in the contact box on this page.
Change of circumstances
Contact us if your circumstances change. You could be fined if you do not let us know.