Council Tax is a fee paid to the Local Authority for services, including schools and rubbish collection. The amount you owe depends on the tax band, which is determined by the property’s size and location.
You’ll need to pay Council Tax and inform your Local Authority when you move, whether you rent or own the property.
In this guide, we take you through how to register for Council Tax and when you need to make your first payment.
How to Change Your Council Tax Address
If you’re moving to a different area, you will need to contact your new Local Authority regarding your change of address, set up a new direct debit, and know who to notify when you move. You must also let your previous Local Authority know of your move so they can remove your current direct debit. Failure to report a move can result in the cessation of payments, overpayment recovery, loss of discretionary housing payments, or issues with Council Tax.
Those staying within the same Local Authority will still need to let them know about the address change, but they can easily transfer their direct debit to the new property. This helps prevent any overlap in payments.
Here’s what you can expect when moving house:
As you can see above, if you're staying local, your direct debit can usually be transferred. You'll just need to update your address. But if you're moving to a new Local Authority, you'll need to cancel your existing payment, receive a final bill, and set up a new direct debit with your new council.
Industry Insight: Paying Twice
"One thing I heard constantly when I was doing removals was customers saying they’d completed on a Friday, moved over the weekend, and then been surprised they were billed council tax on both properties. What catches people out is that councils often work off the completion date, not the day you physically leave. If there’s any gap between completion and moving day, you can end up paying on both. I used to tell customers to call both councils the moment they had a completion date confirmed, don’t wait until you’ve unpacked."
Dave Sayce, Founder, Compare My Move
How to Cancel Council Tax
To cancel your Council Tax, visit your Local Authority’s website and use their ‘Change of Address’ or ‘Moving Home’ form.
You’ll need to provide:
- Your move-out date
- A forwarding address
- Details for all adults who lived at the property
The council will then send a final bill. If you’re in credit, you can request a refund.
Tip: Do this ahead of time to avoid being charged for a property you no longer live in.
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When Do You Start Paying Council Tax After Moving In?
Your Council Tax responsibilities start from the day you move into your new address. If you’ve moved within the same Local Authority, your direct debit can continue at your new address.
Don’t wait for the ‘new occupier’ letter to come through the door after you have moved. If you wait, the council will backdate any required payments.
Council Tax Rules on New Builds
Council Tax is required from completion day for new builds, meaning you’ll need to factor this in if you aren’t planning to move into the property straightaway.
If the property isn’t structurally complete at this point, the developer may arrange with the council to postpone payments. However, this is not a guarantee.
Do You Have to Pay Council Tax?
Most homeowners and renters must pay Council Tax; however, there are instances when a person or the property is eligible for discounts or exemptions.
Parties that are exempt from paying Council Tax are referred to as ‘disregarded’. If you live with a disregarded party and are not exempt yourself, you may be entitled to a discount.
You must submit an application form to your Local Council for any discount or exemptions. The total discount is determined by each council.
Who is Exempt?
- Those under 18 years old
- Students in full-time education
- Live-in carers
- People with severe mental impairments
- Diplomats
Who Qualifies for Discounts?
- Up to 50% off if everyone in the household is disregarded
- Up to 25% off if you live on your own
- Up to 25% off if everyone else in the household is disregarded
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FAQs
Do I Have to Pay Council Tax on an Empty Property?
You will have to pay Council Tax if your property is empty. Some councils may offer a discount, but whether this is the case and how much is up to them. You must inform your council if your property will be empty between completion and moving into your new home.
What Happens If I Don't Tell the Council I've Moved?
You will continue to be billed for your previous property if you fail to inform the council of your move, leading to unnecessary expenses.
