Council tax when moving house: who to tell and when

Why you need to tell both councils

Council tax is set and collected locally, so each council only knows what you tell it. If you move within the same council area, that council will usually update your account itself. If you move to a different area, you need to contact both the council you're leaving and the one you're moving into, because neither automatically knows about the other.

GOV.UK is clear that if you move to a new property or a new area, you should tell your local council or the council for your new area, so that your account is closed correctly at the old address and opened correctly at the new one.

When to tell them

Most councils ask you to report a move close to your actual moving date, often within the month before you go, rather than weeks in advance, since early reports can cause errors if your plans change. Each council has its own online change-of-address form; check their website rather than assuming a single national process applies, because council tax administration varies by local authority even though the underlying rules are UK-wide for England and Wales.

If you're a tenant or landlord, remember that whoever is named on the council tax account, or who is liable under the rules, needs to be updated promptly. Landlords and agents are often required to tell the council about tenancy changes too, including start and end dates and tenant details.

What information to have ready

• Your council tax account number or reference from a recent bill.
• The exact date you are moving out and moving in.
• Names of everyone moving in or out of each property.
• Your new address and a forwarding address for post, if different.
• Direct debit details, if you want payments to carry over to the new address.

Avoiding a double bill

A double bill usually happens when one council keeps charging you after you've moved, because it wasn't told, or because the two accounts overlap. If you get a bill for a property you've already left, don't ignore it: contact the council straight away with your moving date and ask them to amend the account. Keep anything that proves your moving date, such as a tenancy agreement, completion statement or removal company receipt.

If you've overpaid at your old address, the council should refund you or transfer the credit to your new account. If you underpaid, expect a revised bill for each address covering the exact days you were liable there.

New builds and properties without a band

If the property you're moving into hasn't been given a council tax band yet, you'll need to contact the council so it can be referred to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for assessment. This is common with new builds and can take a little time, but you are still liable for council tax from your move-in date once the band is confirmed.

What to do: practical steps

• Find both councils' online 'tell us you're moving' forms before move day.
• Report the move close to your actual date, with the exact day you leave and arrive.
• Ask about transferring a direct debit rather than cancelling and restarting it.
• Check whether you're due a discount or exemption at the new address, such as living alone.
• Keep confirmation emails or reference numbers from both councils.

Quick recap

Tell both the old and new council as close to your move date as practical, with your account reference and exact dates. This avoids a double bill, gets refunds moving, and makes sure the right council tax band and discounts apply from day one. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. For help with a specific council tax dispute, contact your local Citizens Advice or the Money and Pensions Service.

Sources

• GOV.UK — When to contact your local authority about Council Tax
• GOV.UK — Start paying Council Tax

Related guides

• Council tax basics for new movers
• Understanding a council tax letter
• Council tax single person discount