Keep us updated
Remember to report to us any changes in your circumstances which might affect your entitlement to a Council Tax discount, exemption or Council Tax Reduction. The Council can impose a penalty of £70 if you:
- fail to supply information within 21 days,
- supply false information or
- fail to report a change
Visit our Council Tax section for more information.
Combating Fraud
This authority is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers and may use the personal information held on our records for the prevention and detection of fraud. We share this information you give us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering funds for these purposes. We also share information with fraud prevention agencies who will use it to prevent fraud and money-laundering and to verify your identity. If fraud is detected, you could be refused certain services, finance or employment. Further details of how your information will be used by us and these fraud prevention agencies, and your data protection rights, can be found at https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn
If you would like a paper copy of the full notice, please email your name and address to fraud@ipswich.gov.uk and include the phrase 'Cifas FPN request' in the subject line of your email, or write to us at Cifas FPN requests, Corporate Fraud Team, Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, 15-17 Russell Road, Ipswich, IP1 2DE. Further information about how we use your data can be found at www.ipswich.gov.uk/privacy-notice
Your Council Tax
For details of how Council Tax is calculated, how it is spent and other information visit our Council Tax section.
Council Tax Band
Check your property band with the Valuation Office Agency.
Council Tax Reduction
If you are on a low income you could be eligible for help towards your Council Tax costs through Council Tax Reduction (CTR). Use our online calculator to find out if you qualify for CTR.
Discounts and Exemptions
Council Tax discounts, exemptions and premiums
Empty Properties
You will receive a discount for up to 28 days from the date a property becomes unoccupied and unfurnished. After this, full Council Tax is payable. If your property is unoccupied and unfurnished for more than 12 months, you will have to pay an additional empty homes premium.
Bills are produced based upon the circumstances on the day of processing. A further bill will be issued as circumstances change - for instance, at the expiry of the 28 days discount.
Unoccupied but furnished properties
Unoccupied but properties are defined where no-one is resident, but the property is substantially furnished. These properties are often referred to as Second Homes. From 1 April 2025, a 100% premium will be charged for second homes. Unlike Empty Homes, there is no requirement for a property to have been used as a second home for a fixed period of time before the premium can apply.
Appeals
You are entitled to appeal if you disagree that you are liable for Council Tax and how much you are liable to pay.Visit our Council Tax Appeals section for more information.
Paying On Time
Your Council Tax must reach us by the due date. Failure to pay your Council Tax on time may result in you losing the right to pay by instalments. A Court summons will be issued and additional costs will be incurred. For more information visit our Council Tax payment help webpage.
Council Tax payments are collected over 10 months, however you can arrange to pay your Council Tax over 12 monthly instalments, to set this up please visit Council Tax instalments.