Who to inform about a change of address for Council Tax
You have to inform your local authority (city council) about a change of address for Council Tax around a month before you move. It is necessary to notify both your previous and new councils when you move.* Tell them where you are moving from and where you are going.
Typically, if your name or address changes, you need to tell HMRC. HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) is the U.K. government’s tax authority. They collect taxes, pay child benefits, enforce tax and customs laws, and enforce the payment of the minimum wage by employers.
*You’ll need to contact your local council if your new home does not have a Council Tax band. They will arrange a property assessment for you.
How to change your address for Council Tax
UK city councils offer several methods for changing your address for Council Tax. Among 4 methods, you can choose the one you prefer to update your address with the Council Tax.
1. Online
You can inform the local council of the respective city of your address change if you’re moving into or out of a property. The websites of city councils provide online forms that you can fill out to change your address for Council Tax purposes.
For your convenience, we have listed different cities with their city council websites where you can change your address:
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Council Tax websites: Change of Address |
Note: Some city councils may ask you to register before you change your address online.
Go to your city council’s website if your city is not listed here.
2. By phone
The websites of the respective city councils also provide their telephone numbers where you can change your address for Council Tax purposes. You will need your National Insurance number when you call.
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City |
Council phone number |
Go to your city council’s website if your city is not listed here.
3. By email
If you prefer, you can also send an email. When sending an email, be sure to include the Council Tax account reference in the subject line. A change of address with Council Tax account reference should be submitted to the city council. It is possible to find your city council’s email address on its website if they provide it.
Moved to a new city? Here’s how to register to pay Council Tax.
If you have moved to a new city and want to register to pay Council Tax, you must contact your local council. A Council Tax bill will be sent to you once you have been registered. Please follow these steps to register:
- Step 1: Go to your local authority’s (city council) website. For example, if you have moved to Leicester City, you will go to this website.
- Step 2: On the menu, select “Your community”. Then, choose “Council Tax”.
- Step 3: Choose “Pay your council tax and paperless billing” on the left sidebar.
- Step 4: Quick links will be provided. You have to click “Register or manage your account online”.
- Step 5: Click “Register for an account” at the bottom of the page.
- Step 6: Select “I am a Council Tax Payer”.
- Step 7: Enter the details and you will be registered.
Six ways to pay your Council Tax
City councils offer several ways to pay Council Tax. Some of them are given below:
1. Direct debit
The easiest method to pay your Council Tax is by direct debit. Effortless, quick, and secure. Keeping track of your payments is not necessary if you choose this method.
2. Online
If you want to pay your Council Tax online. You’ll need;
- Your Council Tax reference number
- Debit or credit card number
Your Council tax bill will include the Council tax reference number. This way, you can maintain low costs, but you have to keep track of when payments are due.
3. Online banking
Online banking is another way to pay your Council Tax. In order to do this, you will need the following information from your local council:
- Bank
- Bank Sort Code
- Bank Account Number (of the respective city council)
Additionally, you will need to provide your account number, which can be found on the front of your bill.
4. In person
Your Council Tax can be paid in person, at one of the Payzone points within the city area operated by your city council.
5. By phone
If you want to pay your Council Tax by phone, you’ll need:
- Your Council Tax reference number
- Debit or credit card number.
Note: Your Council Tax bill includes the Council Tax reference number.
6. By post
Paying your Council Tax by post will require you to send a check to the address written on your bill. Make sure you write your Council Tax reference number on the back of the check.
*Cash should not be sent by mail: it is unsafe.
When to tell the City Council about a change of address
Both your previous and new councils need to be notified when you move home. It’s best to notify both councils (or the single council) 30 days prior to moving.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Council Tax change of address
Can I update my Council Tax address by phone and in person?
Yes, you can update your Council Tax address both by phone and in person. The websites of the respective city councils provide their telephone numbers where you can change your Council Tax address. You will need your National Insurance number when you call. For in-person assistance, you will need to visit the Customer Hub of your local council (if they offer this facility).
My partner will be moving out of the house, will I still be paying the same Council Tax amount?
If your partner is moving out of the house, note that there is a 25% discount (single person discount) for the only eligible adult living at the property. You can check your eligibility and apply for a “Single-Person Discount” by visiting the website of your city council.
I have recently become disabled due to an accident and will be moving into a new home. Am I eligible for a Council Tax discount?
There may be a discount available for Council Tax when the property is the main or sole residence of at least one disabled person. You can check your eligibility and apply for “Council Tax Exemptions and Discounts” by visiting the website of your city council.
How do I check how much I should be paying for my Council Tax?
You pay Council Tax based on the valuation band of your property. Several factors determine how much Council Tax you will have to pay. Certain properties are exempt from Council Tax and some people qualify for Council Tax discounts. You can calculate the Council Tax by checking the valuation band for your property on gov.uk and looking on the local council’s website.
As a student, I am becoming a renter for the first time. Do I get a discount on my Council Tax?
Students get a Council Tax discount if they are full-time students. Find out if you qualify for a discount on your Council Tax by visiting your local council’s website.
