Owning an empty property can be a great investment, but it can also come with a lot of costs. One of these costs is council tax, a charge imposed by local government on the owners of properties. In this article, we will discuss how to avoid paying council tax on an empty property.
Understanding Council Tax
Council tax is a charge imposed by local government on the owners of properties. The amount of council tax payable depends on the location, size and type of property. For example, a two-bedroom flat in a city centre will have a higher council tax charge than a one-bedroom flat in a rural area. The money collected from council tax is used to fund local services such as rubbish collection and road maintenance.
Avoiding Payment on Empty Property
There are several ways to avoid paying council tax on an empty property. Firstly, you can apply for a council tax exemption. This is available for properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for a period of up to six months. Secondly, you can apply for a council tax reduction. This is available for properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for a period of up to twelve months. Finally, you can apply for a council tax discount. This is available for properties that are unoccupied and unfurnished for a period of up to two years.
In conclusion, it is possible to avoid paying council tax on an empty property. However, it is important to understand the rules and regulations that apply to council tax exemptions, reductions and discounts. By understanding these rules, you can ensure that you are not paying more council tax than necessary.
