What Months Do You Not Pay Council Tax? UK 2026 Guide

Every January, the same question spikes across the UK:
“What months do you not pay council tax?”

Some people expect two “free” months. Others assume council tax runs all year without breaks. Official council pages rarely explain the logic in plain English, which leads to budgeting mistakes and unnecessary stress when payments suddenly stop or restart.

Here’s the clear reality in 2026:

Most UK households do not pay council tax in February and March — but only if they are on the standard 10-month instalment plan.

Those months aren’t free. You’ve already paid for them earlier in the year.

This guide explains exactly which months you don’t pay council tax, why this happens, how it works for the 2025–2026 council tax year, and how to choose the best payment setup going forward.

Key Facts in 20 Seconds

Quick answer:
Most UK households do not pay council tax in February and March if they’re on the standard 10-month payment plan.

These are not free months — the annual bill is simply spread over fewer months.

You can switch to 12 monthly payments to spread costs evenly across the year.

What Months Do You Not Pay Council Tax in the UK?

February and March are usually the months you don’t pay council tax in the UK — if you’re on the default 10-month instalment plan.

That single sentence answers most searches — but the reason behind it matters.

Why Are There “Council Tax Free Months”?

Council tax is charged annually, not monthly.

Each council issues a bill covering the council tax year, which always runs from:

1 April to 31 March

You then repay that annual amount in instalments.

Standard council tax instalment options

So when people ask:

• “What 2 months do you not pay council tax?”
• “What month is council tax free?”

They’re almost always referring to February and March under the 10-month system.

What Month Do You Not Pay Council Tax?

If you’re looking for one specific month, the most common answer is:

February

That’s usually the first month payments stop, followed by March.

However, your exact payment dates can vary if:

• You moved home during the year
• You opened a new council tax account mid-year
• Your council uses a different direct debit schedule

Your council tax bill always shows the correct dates.

What Months Do You Not Pay Council Tax in 2026?

As of January 2026, the current council tax year is:

• 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026

For households on the standard 10-month plan:

• Payments typically ran from April 2025 to January 2026
• No payments are due in February or March 2026

Structurally, nothing changes in 2026 — the instalment system remains the same across the UK.

Is Council Tax Ever Actually “Free”?

No — and this is where most confusion comes from.

February and March are not free months.
You’ve already paid for them earlier through higher monthly instalments.

Think of it like this:

You’re paying more per month, not paying less overall.

The total council tax bill never changes — only the timing does.

10-Month vs 12-Month Council Tax Payments

Which option is better?

Who should choose which?

• 10 months suits people who like a short break at the end of the year
• 12 months suits people who want smooth, predictable budgeting

In England, households have a legal right to request 12 monthly payments.

How to Switch to 12-Month Council Tax Payments

Step-by-step

1. Log in to your local council tax account
2. Find payment options or instalment settings
3. Choose 12 monthly payments
4. Confirm before your council’s annual deadline (often April or May)

⚠️ If you miss the deadline, you’ll usually stay on 10 months for that year.

Who Doesn’t Pay Council Tax at All? (Exemptions)

Some people legally don’t pay council tax, regardless of instalment plans.

Common exemptions include:

• Full-time students (and student-only households)
• People with severe mental impairment (SMI) (medical evidence required)
• Residents in care homes or hospitals
• Certain empty properties (rules vary by council)
• Homes left empty because the resident moved to receive care

Exemptions are not automatic — you must apply through your local council.

Also Read: Council Tax Changing Name Made Simple (Step-by-Step)

Council Tax Discounts That Reduce What You Pay

If you’re not exempt, you may still qualify for a discount.

Common discounts:

• Single Person Discount (25%)
  Applies if only one adult lives in the property.
• Disregarded residents
  Some people (such as students or carers) don’t count for billing purposes.
• Empty property discounts
  These vary widely — many councils now offer none.

Discounts don’t change which months you pay, but they reduce the total bill, lowering each instalment.

Note on Direct Debit Dates

While most councils collect payments from April to January on 10-month plans, direct debit dates can vary.

Councils may:

• Collect on the 1st, 15th, or 28th
• Adjust dates for weekends or bank holidays
• Alter schedules if your account starts mid-year

Always rely on your bill or online account, not assumptions.

Real-World Example

Sarah, Manchester Council tax (Band C)

• Annual bill: £1,680
• 10-month plan: £168 per month (April–January)
• No payments: February & March

If Sarah switches to 12 months:

• £140 per month all year
• No payment gaps
• Easier budgeting

Same total bill — just spread differently.

What People Often Get Wrong About Council Tax

• ❌ “February and March are free months”
  ✔️ You’ve already paid for them earlier.
• ❌ “Everyone stops paying at the same time”
  ✔️ Payment schedules can vary by council.
• ❌ “12-month payments cost more”
  ✔️ The total is exactly the same.
• ❌ “Missing one payment isn’t serious”
  ✔️ Councils can cancel instalments and demand the full balance.

FAQs

Q1. What months do you not pay council tax in England?

Most households in England do not pay council tax in February and March if they are on the standard 10-month payment plan. These months are part of the annual bill spread and are not “free.”

Q2. What months do you not pay council tax in Scotland?

In Scotland, the council tax system is similar, but exact payment months and instalment dates can vary by local council. Most councils still use a 10-month plan with February and March as typical non-payment months.

Q3. What month is council tax free?

There is no truly free month. February (and sometimes March) are simply the months when no instalments are collected under the 10-month plan. The total annual bill remains the same.

Q4. Why is council tax paid over 10 months?

The 10-month schedule is the statutory default instalment plan for council tax in the UK. Councils spread annual payments over 10 months to provide a short break at the end of the tax year (usually February and March).

Q5. Can I pay council tax over 12 months?

Yes. Most councils allow residents to request 12 monthly payments, which spreads the annual council tax evenly from April to March. This option avoids the February–March break and can help with budgeting.

Q6. What happens if I miss a council tax payment?

If you miss a payment, your council may:

• Cancel your instalment plan, requiring the full balance immediately
• Charge penalties or late fees
  It’s always best to contact your council immediately to discuss Council Tax Reduction or alternative payment options.

Conclusion

So, what months do you not pay council tax in 2026?

For most UK households, it’s February and March — but only because the bill is spread over 10 months, not because those months are free.

Once you understand how instalments work, council tax becomes far easier to plan for.

Next step:
Check your council tax bill now and decide whether switching to 12 monthly payments would make budgeting simpler for the rest of the year.

Related: How to Avoid Paying Tax on Rental Income UK 2026–2027