Council tax discounts and reductions
You'll usually pay council tax if you're 18 or older and own or rent a home. A full bill applies to at least two adults. Spouses and partners share responsibility for payment.
Some adults living with you may not count for council tax. If only one adult is counted, you get a 25% discount; if none are counted, the discount is 50%.
Unoccupied properties or those with certain occupants may qualify for a council tax exemption, meaning no payment is required during that time.
Click on one of the links to find out if you can receive a discount on your bill, or a council tax exemption for the property, and apply online:
Single person discount
If you are the only adult living in your home, you can apply for a 25% discount on your council tax bill.
Students and spouses
Find out if you need to register for your council tax exemption as a full time student.
Discretionary reductions
Find out more about discretionary reductions for council tax.
Properties that have been adapted for a disability
If you have adapted your home to help a disabled person living there, we might be able to reduce your council tax bill.
Empty homes
Find out about the long term empty homes premium charges and getting a property back into use.
Carers or those receiving care
Care workers, home carers and the person they are caring for may be able to pay less council tax.
People who are severely mentally impaired
If you have a severe mental impairment, you do not have to pay council tax and can apply for an exemption.
Empty properties as the resident has died
Find out about council tax reductions for empty properties if the resident has died.
Property annexes
If you live in an annexe, you might get a 50% reduction on your council tax bill. Find out how to apply for a reduction.
People in residential care or hospital
If you move into a care home, nursing home or hospital then you don't have to pay council tax.
Surrey County Council care leavers under 25
If you meet the criteria, we might be able to reduce or cancel your council tax bill for the year.
Apprentices or youth trainees
Apprentices and some young people are not counted when considering council tax. See what you need to do.
People who are detained or in prison
You can apply for a 25% discount on your council tax if a person living in your home goes to prison or is detained.
Diplomats or visiting armed forces
Diplomats, members of visiting forces and members of international headquarters can apply for council tax exemption.
Members of religious communities
Find out if you can apply for a 25% discount on your council tax if you are part of a religious community.
Mortgage repossession or bankruptcy
Find out about a council tax reduction for mortgage repossession or bankruptcy.
Properties where all occupants are under 18
If all the people living in a property are under 18, you don't have to pay council tax.
Unoccupied properties prohibited by law
Find out when an unoccupied property is exempt from council tax.
Unoccupied properties used by a charity
Find out about council tax reductions for unoccupied properties used by a charity.
Young adults who are in or leaving education
Find out if you can get a reduction on your council tax if you are a young adult in education.
Properties held for ministers of religion
An unoccupied property used by a minister of religion for the duties of their office is exempt from council tax.