Council Tax exemptions

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In some cases, you might not have to pay Council Tax on your property. This is called an exemption.

Who can get a Council Tax exemption

You can get a Council Tax exemption if your property is occupied or unoccupied.

Unoccupied properties

You may qualify for an exemption if you are the liable person and you are:

  • in prison (unless you are in prison for not paying Council Tax)
  • permanently in hospital or a care home
  • a minister of religion
  • receiving care elsewhere, but not in a hospital or care home
  • caring for someone elsewhere
  • a student living elsewhere to study

You may qualify for an exemption if the property is unoccupied and is:

  • repossessed
  • left vacant by a bankruptcy trustee
  • left vacant by someone who has recently died
  • left empty at a caravan pitch or a boat mooring
  • a self-contained flat or house that can’t be let due to planning restrictions.
  • owned by a charity
  • kept empty by law, as nobody can live in the property

Occupied properties

You may qualify for an exemption if you are the liable person and the property is lived in by:

  • only students
  • only visiting service personnel
  • only under 18 year olds
  • a foreign diplomat
  • only people who are severely mentally impaired
  • a dependent elderly or disabled relative and is self-contained
  • only members of the armed services (and the property is owned by the Ministry of Defence)

How to apply

You can apply using our general enquiry form

Or by post to:

London Borough of Barnet
Local Taxation
PO Box 237
Erith
DA8 9HJ

If you need help

Telephone: 020 8359 2000

What happens next

If you claim an exemption, you will still have to pay the amount detailed on your current bill until we have made a decision on your claim.

If we refuse your claim for an exemption and you disagree with our reason(s), you should make an appeal to our office first. If you are still not satisfied with our explanation you may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal

If your circumstances change, you must let us know within 21 days as this may affect your entitlement to any exemption. If you don’t let us know, we may impose a penalty and you will have to pay back the value of the exemption.