Council tax is a local tax collected by local authorities in the United Kingdom to help pay for local services. These services include things like rubbish collection, street cleaning, and local schools. The amount of council tax you pay depends on the value of your property and the local council's budget. Each property is assigned to a valuation band, which determines the tax rate. Residents may qualify for discounts or exemptions based on factors such as age, disability, or being a full-time student. Payments are typically made annually, but can often be spread out over the year.