What to do about council tax when you move house
Tell the council you're leaving that you're moving out, and tell the council you're moving to that you've moved in. If both homes are in the same council area, it's one job: ask them to move your account.
- When
- Tell your old council 2 to 4 weeks before you move. Register at the new address in your first week.
- How long
- About 15 minutes for each council
- Cost
- Free to do
What you'll need
- Your council tax account number (it's on your bill)
- Both addresses and your move date
- The names of the adults moving with you
- A forwarding address for your final bill
What to do
Find out whether you're changing council
Put both postcodes into gov.uk's council finder. If they come back with the same council, you only need to deal with one. Your checklist works this out for you.
Tell the council you're leaving
Most councils have a "moving home" form on their website. Give them the date you're leaving and where your final bill should go. They'll work out what you owe up to that date, or what they owe you.
Register with the council you're moving to
Once you're in, tell the new council your move-in date and who lives there. They'll set up an account and send a bill for the rest of the year.
Ask about discounts
If you'll be the only adult in your new home, you can get 25% off. Full-time students aren't counted. You have to apply for a discount; it isn't added for you.
If you skip this
You can keep being billed for your old home after you've left. At the new one you owe council tax from the day you move in, whether you've registered or not, so leaving it means a backdated bill.
Where to do it
Questions people ask
- Who has to pay council tax?
- Usually anyone aged 18 or over who owns or rents a home. Couples who live together are jointly responsible for the bill.
- Will I get money back from my old council?
- If you've paid for time after your move-out date, the council should refund it once you've told them you've left. Give them a forwarding address so it reaches you.
- Can I do this by letter?
- Yes. Your checklist includes ready-made letters to both councils, filled in with your details.
This is one job. There are about twenty more.
Tell us when and where you're moving and get the full list, in the order to do it.
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