Council Tax Change of Address

Moving to a new place is exciting and also stressful at the same time. There is an endless list to do and a lot of people to tell about your move. Whether you are relocating within the same area or venturing to a completely new area, notifying the council of your change of address is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the importance of updating the council when moving, the steps involved, and tips to streamline the process, making your move hassle-free.

This guide will cover the following:

• How do I notify the council of my change of address?
• What is Council Tax?
• How is Council Tax calculated?
• How much is my Council Tax?
• How to cancel Council Tax?
• How do I register for Council Tax?

How do I notify the council of my change of address?

You can notify your council of your new address using the Moveinout change of address service, what’s great is that you can notify all your service providers of your new address from one location. You can do this in 3 simple steps:

1. Let us know your old and new address
2. Let us know when you’re moving
3. Notify all your service providers and ensure all your contact details are up to date

Alternatively, you can contact your local council directly or log in to your council account and notify a change of address from there.

What is council tax?

Council Tax is a tax managed by local authorities on all domestic properties. It's a way to fund local services such as schools, police, road maintenance, rubbish collection, and other community services. The amount of Council Tax you pay is determined by the valuation band of your property and the local council's set rates.

Key points about council tax:

1. Based on domestic property Valuation Bands: Properties are placed in valuation bands (from A to H in England and Scotland, and A to I in Wales). Each band has a set amount of tax payable, with higher-valued properties in higher bands paying more Council Tax.
2. Responsibility for Payment: Usually, the person living in the property is responsible for paying Council Tax. This could be the owner, tenant, or occupant. If there are multiple occupants, they might share the responsibility.
3. Exemptions and Discounts: Some properties may be exempt from Council Tax, such as certain types of student accommodation or properties solely occupied by full-time students. Discounts might also apply for single occupants, people with disabilities, or properties considered second homes.
4. Billing and Payment: Council Tax bills are usually paid annually or in monthly instalments. Payment methods and schedules vary by local authority, but it's typically paid either online or by direct debit.

How is council tax calculated?

To check your Council Tax Band you can visit the government website where you can find out the Council Tax for any home in England, Scotland or Wales by searching its address or postcode.  Every council will have a valuation list, which is a list of all residential properties in its borough and each property will have a valuation band A-H and A-I in Wales.

How much is my Council tax?

Council Tax will differ from council to council. To find out how much Council Tax is at your new property you will have to first find out what council band your property is. You can find your council band using the government website, entering your postcode and finding your new address. Once you have your Council Tax Band you can go to your specific council's website to find the costs for each band. Prices may change from year to year so make sure to get the latest costs.

How to cancel Council Tax?

Updating the council of your new address is the first step to cancelling your council tax at your current property.  If you are moving within the same borough, and you are liable to pay Council Tax at your new address, payments made on your old account can be transferred to your new bill at your new property. If you are moving to a different area with a different council, you will need to register with your new council and set up your payment method and period.

How do I register for Council Tax?

When moving to a new property that is with a different council, you will need to register with your new council. To register for Council Tax you will need to get in touch with your local council and fill out a registration form. Many councils have online registration forms on their websites and these will require details about your move such as your new address, previous address, move-in date and bank details to set up a direct debit. If there's a change in your circumstances that might affect your Council Tax, such as becoming a student, living alone, or any eligible discounts or exemptions, inform the council about these changes during the registration process.