4. Council Tax fraud
Council Tax fraud costs all taxpayers. It is a criminal offence and reduces the money available to help those who need it.
Make sure you don’t commit fraud
We can reduce how much Council Tax you pay if you qualify for a discount, exemption or disregard. However if the information provided is false or you do not tell us promptly of a change in circumstances you may be committing Council Tax fraud. Examples are:
- Claiming an incorrect discount, e.g. claiming 25% single person discount when you do not live alone
- Claiming an incorrect exemption, e.g. claiming the property is unoccupied or occupied when it is not
- Claiming to be a full time student when the course has ended or you are no longer attending the course
- Claiming Council Tax Reduction when you are not entitled to it
Remember, if you are receiving help with your rent (Housing Benefit) and/or with your Council Tax, it is your responsibility to notify us immediately of any change in your circumstances. You must tell us within 21 days of the change to make sure you do not commit fraud.
- To tell us about changes to your Council Tax Reduction
- To tell us about changes to your Council Tax discount, exemption or disregard, email counciltax@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 517446