Property annexes

An annexe is a self contained unit, it is generally a building or part of a building. It is used as separate living accommodation. It may share common services and an entrance with the main house.

If the annexe is separately banded for council tax and you are the council tax payer for the main property, you can apply for a discount.

You can apply for a 50% discount on the council tax charge for the annexe if:

• the annexe forms part of the main property
• the annexe is being used as part of the main property by the person who is the council tax payer of the main property

The council tax discount will apply to the annexe, not the main property.

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this discount online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
• your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
• your property postcode
• if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'empty property discounts' link.

You need to supply the following information:

• The date the annexe started being used by the occupants of the main property

An annexe is exempt from council tax if:

• the annexe is separately banded for council tax, and
• you are a dependant relative of the owner of the main property, and
• you are living in it as your main or only home

This means you don't have to pay council tax for the annexe.

For the purposes of the exemption, a relative is defined as:

• husband, wife or partner
• parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother or sister
• uncle or aunt, nephew or niece
• great-grandparent, great-grandchild, great-uncle, great-aunt, great-nephew or great-niece

To qualify as dependant you must be either:

• over 65 years old
• substantially or permanently disabled
• severely mentally impaired

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this exemption online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
• your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
• your property postcode
• if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'apply for or cancel an exemption' link.

You need to supply the following information:

• the date the property annexe became occupied

If your annexe is separately banded for council tax and:

• it is unoccupied
• there is planning permission in place. This must say that the property can only be used as 'ancillary accommodation'

The annexe will be exempt from council tax. This means you don't have to pay council tax for the annexe.

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this exemption online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
• your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
• your property postcode
• if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'apply for or cancel an exemption' link.

You need to supply the following information:

• the date the property annexe became unoccupied

If someone moves into or out of the annexe, you may no longer qualify for the exemption.

You can tell us about any changes online if you have a MyGuildford account. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Register or sign into your MyGuildford account (opens new window)

If you have not yet registered to access your council tax account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online council tax account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• your council tax reference number - found on your latest bill
• your name exactly as it appears on your council tax bill
• your property postcode
• if you have applied for Local Council Tax Support or have been named on a council tax support application, you will also need to provide your national insurance number. This provides an additional level of security

Once you have linked your council tax account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. Use the 'apply for or cancel an exemption' form to tell us about the change.

If there is a change to your exemption, we will send you a new bill.

We will contact you if we need any further information.

If you are entitled to an exemption, we will send you a new bill.