Updating your council tax when moving is an important step to avoid unnecessary charges and make you’re paying the correct amount. By following these steps—informing your old council, registering with your new one, setting up payments, and managing final bills— you can make a seamless transition.

Moving house involves a lot of important steps. Alongside packing, arranging services, changing utilities, and updating your address, it’s essential to handle your council tax to avoid any unnecessary charges or penalties. Fortunately, managing this aspect is straightforward when you know the process.

How moving house affects your council tax

Council tax supports vital local services like schools, waste collection, roads, and community safety. Properties are assigned a council tax band based on their estimated value, which determines the amount you pay.

When you move, you need to tell the local council of your new address. If you stay within the same council area, you can keep your direct debit and set up your new account promptly. It’s helpful to keep records of all communications with the council to avoid problems later on.

Step 1: Notify Your Current Council

Start by visiting your local council’s website and logging into your council tax account. Provide details like your name, current address, moving out date, and your new address to close your council tax account for that property. Ensuring these dates are accurate helps prevent charges after you’ve left.

Councils typically offer several ways to notify them, including online forms, phone, or in-person visits. You should receive confirmation of the account closure within a few working days.

Step 2: Register to Pay Council Tax at Your New Address

As soon as you’ve moved, register for council tax with your new local authority. Each council manages its own system, so it’s important to check even if you’ve moved nearby.

Visit your new council’s website to find and complete the registration form, providing your personal details, new address, and moving-in date. This is usually required within 21 days of moving. The website will guide you through setting up your account.

You should also check if you qualify for any reductions such as:

  • Single-person discount if you live alone or are the only adult in the home
  • Full-time student exemptions
  • Low-income or disability-related relief
  • Discounts for unoccupied properties

Step 3: Set Up Payments at Your New Address

Council tax is generally paid monthly over 10 months, though some councils offer 12-month plans or annual payments. Arrange your payment method promptly as you become responsible for council tax from the day you move in.

Most people choose direct debit for automatic payments. Payments can often be made through your online account on the council’s website, with some councils also accepting payments by phone or cheque. Keep your council tax account number handy to ensure payments are correctly applied.

Step 4: Manage Transitions and Final Bills

If you’re renting, your previous council tax ends when your tenancy does and begins when your new tenancy starts. For homeowners, moving gaps may mean temporarily owing council tax on two addresses.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Owning a property ends your liability when new owners take over
  • If your new home is empty for some time, check if you are eligible for temporary discounts
  • Keep thorough records of your final bills and payments to avoid errors

Step 5: Check Your New Council Tax Band

Council tax depends on your property’s valuation band, ranging from A (lowest) to H or I depending on your area. Your new home’s band may differ from your previous one, so it helps to confirm it for budgeting.

You can find your property’s band via the Valuation Office Agency website for England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors website. If you think your band is inaccurate, you may request a reassessment.

What to do if there are issues

Sometimes updating council tax details can encounter delays or errors. Here are tips for handling common issues:

  • If you don’t get confirmation of your address update within a few weeks, follow up with the council
  • For incorrect bills or unexpected charges, verify your move dates and provide relevant documents when contacting the council
  • If waiting on a refund from your old council, ask for updates on processing times

Helpful Resources

For guidance through your moving process, including council tax and more, visit our helpful guides. These resources are designed to support you every step of the way.