Council Tax Bands in Edinburgh, Discounts & Exemptions

Council Tax Bands in Edinburgh are often the last thing you consider when looking to move into a new property in Edinburgh. It is important to pay these in a timely manner so that bills do not mount up. These fees can be split between your flatmates if living with others or paid solely by you if living independently – however, you may be entitled to a discount or exemption.

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What is council tax?

Council tax bands in Edinburgh are collected from domestic properties from The City of Edinburgh Council. It is used to pay for the services in your residential area like exterior lighting, refuse collection, schools, road maintenance, sewerage and water with an agreed 3% increase across all council tax bands in Edinburgh, set by councilors.

How much do I have to pay?

The current Council Tax Bands in Edinburgh for 2022-23 are below:

Single occupant council tax discount

If you live alone, you are entitled to claim a 25% discount on your council tax band payment.

Student council tax exemption

If you are a student studying for 24 weeks in each academic year, you will qualify for student exemption. Also, if you are under 20 years old, studying a non-advanced course like Highers, A levels or Level 3 SVQ for at least 12 hours a week, you will also be exempt. Furthermore, if you are a language assistant helping to teach a foreign language in a school or educational establishment, you will also qualify for exemption as long as you are registered with the British Council.

However,

If you plan on living with a professional occupant, then Council tax bands in Edinburgh will apply:

• One student living with a professional (25% discount applied)
• One student living with two professionals (no discount applied)
• More than one student (the same rule above applies in previous)

Paying with direct debit

We advise all tenants to pay their council tax over direct debit, so it is one less thing to worry about. See below for the monthly costs with direct debit payment over 10 months:

You must notify the council when you move into a property or organise with one of our friendly team to help you do so. Follow the link to Learn more about our Edinburgh Letting Agency services.