Tell us about a change that affects your Council Tax
Bereavement
We're sorry for your loss. The information below explains how to notify us of a bereavement and what happens next regarding the Council Tax account.
If someone who was responsible for paying Council Tax has passed away, it's important that you let us know as soon as possible. This allows us to update our records and ensure any Council Tax charges are dealt with correctly.
How to notify us
You can tell us about a bereavement using our online form:
Tell us if someone has passed away
What happens next?
Once you've submitted the form, our Customer Hub team will review the information provided and update the Council Tax account as appropriate.
We may contact you if we need any further information.
Probate and Council Tax
If a property is left unoccupied following a death, Council Tax may not be payable while Probate or Letters of Administration are being obtained.
Where a property is:
- Unoccupied; and
- Unfurnished
an exemption may apply until either:
- Probate or Letters of Administration are granted; or
- The property's ownership or liability changes.
After probate has been granted
The Council Tax position will depend on what happens to the property:
The property transfers to beneficiaries
If ownership of the property transfers to the beneficiaries of the estate, they will become responsible for the Council Tax, and a new account will be created.
The property remains with the executors
If the property remains unoccupied and under the control of the executors, the exemption may continue for a further six months from the date Probate is granted.
After this period ends, Council Tax will normally become payable, and a bill will be issued to the executors.
Long-term empty properties
If the property remains empty for 1 year after Probate, the full charge plus a premium of 100% (in line with the Council's empty property rules) will become due.
Tell us about Probate
If Probate or Letters of Administration have been granted, please let us know as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Who can notify us about a bereavement?
A family member, executor, solicitor, next of kin or someone acting on behalf of the estate can complete the notification.
Will Council Tax stop automatically when someone passes away?
No. You must let us know so we can review the account and apply any exemptions or changes that may be appropriate.
What information will I need to provide?
You'll usually be asked for:
- The name of the deceased
- A copy of the death certificate
- The address of the property
- The date of death
- Contact details for the executor, next of kin or person managing the estate
Do I need to tell you when Probate is granted?
Yes. Once Probate or Letters of Administration have been granted, please notify us so we can review the Council Tax account and apply the correct charges.
What if the property is still empty?
Special rules may apply for empty properties following a bereavement. These are set out in the Probate section above.
Will I receive confirmation?
As part of the notification of death and/or probate, we'll contact you if we need further information or to confirm any changes made to the Council Tax account.