Moving guide
Council Tax When Moving House: Who to Tell and When
When moving in England, Scotland or Wales, inform the council for your old home and the council for your new home of your move dates and household circumstances. Liability, discounts and any overlap depend on occupancy and the property's status; request a closing bill and set up the new account. Northern Ireland charges domestic rates instead of Council Tax.
Applies to: Council Tax applies in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland instead uses domestic rates.
Notify both councils if your move crosses boundaries
When you leave one address and enter another, tell the relevant local authorities the actual dates. If both homes sit in the same area, the council may offer a move-of-address process. Otherwise the old and new councils may need separate notifications. Use the official council website rather than paying an unrelated intermediary.
Keep your previous council tax account number, both postcodes, moving or tenancy dates and names of liable adults nearby. Do not presume a tenancy end, property completion or change of utilities will automatically update the council's records.
Practical checklist
- Find the old property's council and notify the move-out date.
- Find the new property's council and notify the move-in date.
- Save confirmation references and keep both council account numbers.
- Check your closing bill and the first bill at the new address.
Check overlapping liability before budgeting
If you hold two properties for part of the move, the bill is not automatically limited to one address. Responsibility can depend on occupation, ownership, tenancy dates, local exemptions or discounts and which nation the property is in. Ask the relevant councils to confirm the particular liability periods; do not assume an empty property means no council tax.
Discounts and exemptions are not automatic
Single-person discounts, student treatment and empty-home discounts or premiums have eligibility conditions. Local councils administer the rules and may ask for evidence. If your household circumstances change on moving, check the correct discount at both properties rather than assuming a previous award carries over.
Northern Ireland has domestic rates instead
Northern Ireland does not use Council Tax. Domestic rating and changes of occupancy are handled through the appropriate Northern Ireland government rating service. If moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, treat the two sets of records separately.
Resolve incorrect bills quickly
Review the liable person, period, address and any discount on each bill. Keep tenancy agreements, completion statements or handover documents if your dates are disputed. Contact the local authority using the details on its official website to correct an inaccurate account.
What to read next
Continue with the most relevant next step, or explore the moving journey.
References and further reading
These are the original legal, regulatory and professional sources used to inform this article. MMG explains the key steps above so you do not have to follow external links to find the answer. Circumstances and UK jurisdiction can affect the rules, especially for legal or financial decisions.
- GOV.UK: Council Tax overview(opens in a new tab)
- GOV.UK: Find your local council(opens in a new tab)
- nidirect: Domestic rates(opens in a new tab)
My Move Guide publishes general information, not personalised legal, tax, mortgage or financial advice. Estimates and requirements differ by location and circumstances.