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Adviser helping someone with council tax paperwork at a desk

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help With Council Tax

Written by admin on . Posted in Council Tax.

Updated for 2026

Council tax discounts and exemptions can be complicated. If you don’t fully understand the rules, it’s easy to make mistakes on your application, or worse, end up claiming something you’re not entitled to.

When filling in a claim for a council tax discount or exemption, some of the criteria can feel like it almost applies to your situation. The problem is, once you start stretching the truth on one question, it becomes easier to do the same on the next. Before you know it, you’ve ticked boxes that you’d struggle to back up with evidence.

The consequences are serious

Councils in England and Wales take fraudulent claims very seriously. If you provide false information on a council tax discount or exemption application, you could face:

  • A court summons and criminal prosecution
  • Fines of up to £1,000 or more
  • A requirement to repay all incorrectly claimed discounts
  • A criminal record, which can affect future employment and credit

Even if the mistake was genuine rather than deliberate, the council may still pursue recovery of any overpaid discount, and you could still end up in court.

Council Tax Reduction is not the same as the old council tax benefit

Council tax benefit was abolished back in 2013 and replaced by local Council Tax Reduction (CTR) schemes. Each council in England and Wales runs its own scheme with its own rules. What qualifies you for a reduction in one area might not apply in another, which makes it even more important to get proper advice before applying.

Get the right help before you apply

If you’re struggling with your council tax bill, there are several things you can do:

  • Check whether you qualify for a Single Person Discount (25% off if you’re the only adult in the property)
  • Find out if your property is in the correct council tax band, as many homes across England and Wales are in the wrong band
  • Apply for Council Tax Reduction through your local council if you’re on a low income
  • Ask about Discretionary Reduction under Section 13A if you’re in severe financial hardship
  • Contact Council Tax Advisors before approaching your council, so you know exactly what to claim and how to present your case

Your application needs to be precise. Every claim you make should be backed up with evidence. The council might not ask for every detail straight away, but you should be prepared for the possibility that they will.

The bottom line: if you’re unsure about any part of your council tax situation, ask for professional help first. It’s far better to get it right from the start than to deal with the consequences of getting it wrong.