A TIK Tok influencer has revealed how you can reduce your monthly council tax bill – but you'll still pay the same overall.
Most people pay for their council tax over 10 months instead of 12 – which means millions of Brits have a 60-day period of no payments.
The 60 day period falls in February and March.
But you may not know you can opt to pay over 12 months – and it will see your monthly outgoings reduced.
Of course, the amount you are paying overall stays the same, but by splitting the amount between 12 months instead of 10, you'll be paying less each month.
Tik Tok user @thebudgetingmum shared a video explaining the little-known trick.
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She says: "Did you know you can pay your council tax over 12 months rather than having a break in February and March?
"This will reduce your monthly payments."
How to change paying for your council tax
If you'd like to change to paying for your council tax across 12 months instead of 10, you should contact your local council.
They should be able to set up a new payment schedule for you.
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If you don't know what council area you fall under, you can use the government's locator tool.
You might even have the option to pay twice a year, every two weeks or as a lump sum once a year as well, if you live in Lambeth, London, for example.
But of course what your options are will depend on where you live.
How else can I save on council tax?
There are a number of ways you can save on your council tax, if you know how.
The help available to you will vary depending on your circumstances though.
Council tax rebate
The government announced council tax help in February in the form of a £150 rebate.
It will be given to households in council tax bands A – D, which means 80% of homes in England.
If you don't know what council tax band you are in, the government's website has a useful tool. You just need to enter your postcode.
Eligible council tax payers will get the money sent to their bank account rather than as a discount.
If you don't already pay your council tax bill by direct debit, your local council will contact you to get your bank account details so it can give you the cash.
Payments started to be made from April 1, however the exact date you will receive yours will depend on your local authority.
Councils have until just Friday, September 30, to make the payments though.
You can check your local council's website and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash.
If you do miss the deadline, you won't miss out on the £150 entirely.
If you make an application, your local authority will be able to transfer the cash directly into your bank account.
But if you don't get in touch it obviously can't do this.
Instead, you'll be given a £150 credit on your council tax account – which means your bill will be lower next time you come to pay.
Single people
If you live on your own, you're entitled to 25% off your council tax bill.
This also is the case if there is one adult and one student living together in a household.
You may also qualify if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
Plus, if you live with someone who doesn't have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a 50% reduction.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
A full list of circumstances that exempt you from paying council tax can be found on Citizens Advice's website.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could even be in line for a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low Income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
The requirements to get help will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you're struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
Council tax is a priority bill and if you fall behind you could be asked to pay the full year's balance in one go.
And non-payment could result in bailiffs, court action or even imprisonment.
How to apply for a reduction
You can apply for a reduction through the government website.
You'll need your national insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
And there's also the option of getting your house re-banded if you think you're overpaying on council tax.
To get your house re-banded, you'll need to check which band your neighbours are in and work out how much your property was worth in 1991, as this is when council tax bands were decided.
You can then apply for a re-banding on the government's website.
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However, you should bear in mind that you might end up being banded higher, rather than lower.
This means you could run the risk of paying more council tax.
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