Someone has passed away

When someone who pays Council Tax dies, we’ll need some details about them and the property they were living in. 

This is so we can change the name on the Council Tax bill and make sure we charge the right amount. 

You’ll need to tell us within 21 days:

• when someone has been given probate and the right to deal with the estate of the deceased person
• if the property is sold
• if the tenancy ends
• if someone moves in
• if someone inherits the property

If someone who lives with you has died, report a death in your household.

If you need to tell us about someone who has died but who does not live with you, report a death and an empty property. 

No Council Tax will have to be paid for the property until:

• the tenancy ends
• the property is sold
• someone new moves in
• probate is granted

No Council Tax will have to paid for a further 6 months if the property is still empty and has not been sold once probate has been granted. 

If the property is still empty or not sold after 6 months you’ll have to pay the full Council Tax bill.

If the property is left to someone else in the deceased's will, the new owner becomes responsible for the Council Tax once the property has been legally transferred.

You can request a refund for someone who died if they paid too much.

If there's no will, executor or representative you must confirm this in writing. 

We usually pay the refund to the deceased person’s estate, or to you if you are the executor or representative.

Support

Find out more about money off Council Tax for empty properties.