Taxes
all you need for relocation to scotland: edinburgh
Taxes: Council Tax 2016/2017
The council tax is a local taxation paid to, yes, the…council. It helps pay for local services for instance, policing, road maintenance, rubbish collection, street lighting, water charges, local amenities…
Did you know?
The Council Tax applies to all domestic properties, including houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes and houseboats, whether owned or rented. Water charges are included in it.
Rates are set by each local authority (City of Edinburgh Council is one of them) and vary according to the value of the property.
You need 3 things to know how much you’ll pay for the council tax.
1. The tax band of your property, which you can find on the website of the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA). Simply enter your postcode in the “To Search for a Council Tax Band” box, select your property and you’ll have the tax band (from A to H)
2. How much your local council charges for that band. The table below give the Council Tax charges 2014/15 for Edinburgh. For other Scottish local authorities check the Council Tax List on the SAA website.
Council tax band 2014/15 in the Lothians
| Band | House value | Council tax |
| A | Up to £27,000 | £779.33 |
| B | £27,001 to £35,000 | £909.22 |
| C | £35,001 to £45,000 | £1,039.11 |
| D | £45,001 to £58,000 | £1,169.00 |
| E | £58,001 - £80,000 | £1,428.78 |
| F | £80,001 to £106,000 | £1,688.56 |
| G | £106,001 - £212,000 | £1,948.33 |
| H | Above £212,000 | £2,338.00 |
Council tax banding has been based on property prices at 1 April 1991 and it came into force on 1 April 1993. Any increase or fall in the value of a dwelling resulting from any general change in the housing market has not been taken into account. This explains why a property in Band D only attracts a value of £45,001 to £58,000.
The good news is, there are no plans to revalue everyone's house in the foreseeable future!
3. Whether you are entitled to any discounts or exemptions.
• If only 1 adult (over 18 years old) lives in the property, a 25% discount may apply
• If everyone who lives in a property is under 18 years old you may be able to get a 100% exemption on your Council Tax bill
• If the property is empty (i.e. no one lives in it and it is unfurnished), a 100% discount may apply for up to 6 months from the date the property was last occupied for three months or more
• If you are a full time student living alone in the property, you could receive a 100% exemption however, you MUST inform the council that you’re studying
• If the person who lives in the property is permanently disabled, a reduction applies
• If you are the only adult in the property and you receive Child Benefit for someone who is over 18 you may be able to get a 25% discount.
For more information, you can read the article on council tax benefits in the Employment & Benefits section.
The following link will also tell you if you are entitled to council tax benefit.
Did you know?
Council Tax rates in all Scottish councils are lower than the UK average.
Find out how to pay the council tax
Councils are required to set their tax levels before 11 March and council tax bills are normally issued each spring. You normally pay your council tax over 10 months (nothing to pay in February and March). Edinburgh Council will let you know of the different ways by which you may pay your council tax. Existing methods are by monthly direct debit,online, by phone or postal order.
If you have questions about your council tax in Edinburgh contact:
The City of Edinburgh Council
Income & Benefits Division
PO Box 12331
Edinburgh
EH7 9DN
Telephone: (0044) (0)131 469 5000
Email: incomeandbenefits@edinburgh.gov.uk
Calls are answered Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 - 17:00, Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00, Friday: 8:30 - 15:40.
See also:
Taxes
Can't find what you're looking for?
Try the search, another category, or register to contribute.
Key to symbols
 |
Ideal for families |  |
Our rating system of 1-5 stars |
|
Did you know? | |
Important alert |
 |
Timesaving information |  |
Accessibility |
What's new?
