You may be able to get some money off your council tax, or even an exemption, if your home is empty for one of these reasons.
Due to essential maintenance Council tax and benefit forms will be unavailable from 10am - 4pm on Sun 28 April. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Discounts
A home that is empty and unfurnished
Homes that are empty will have to pay the full 100% yearly Council Tax charges. An additional premium is charged when a property has been empty for 12 months or more.
A home in need of major repairs
If your home is empty and unfurnished and needs, or is undergoing major repairs (which involve structural alterations), you may be able to get money off your bill.
Someone has died
We need to know about a death so we can update the council tax account.
Home is empty because you're in the armed forces and away on duty
Service personnel who own or rent a property are liable to pay council tax on their homes. However, if your property is unoccupied but furnished while you are away on duty in the UK, you may be able to get money off your bill.
Exemptions
You've moved in to care for someone
If you have a home in Cornwall that’s empty because you’ve moved in with someone to provide personal care, you may be able to get money off your bill.
Home is empty due to repossession, receivership or bankruptcy
The council tax charge is reduced to zero when a property becomes the possession of the mortgagee (bank/building society), or where the liable person becomes bankrupt.
You're getting care or medical treatment elsewhere
You may be able to get money off your bill if:
- you have a home in Cornwall that’s empty because you have moved into a care home or hospital
- you have a home in Cornwall that’s empty because you’ve moved in with a carer
You can also apply on someone else's behalf for either of these exemptions.
You're in prison
If your home is empty while you’re in prison, you may be able to get money off your bill. You’ll need to tell us some details, including the prisoner number, custody date and expected release date.
This exemption does not apply if the imprisonment is for the non-payment of council tax.
It's prohibited for anyone to live there
If your home is empty because occupation is prohibited by law, you may be able to get money off your bill.
You’ll need to tell us some details, such as a copy of the relevant planning letters and or Prohibition Order.
Your caravan pitch or houseboat mooring is empty
If your caravan pitch or houseboat mooring is empty, you may be able to get money off your bill.
Home owned by a charity
If you’re a charitable institution and your property is empty awaiting a new tenant, you may be able to get money off your bill.
Empty home kept for a religious minister
If your property is empty, awaiting a minister of religion to move in, you may be able to get money off your bill.
