Council tax Council tax: if someone in your household dies

When somebody dies we need to update the council tax account:

  • We will transfer any credit to a new account, or refund it to the person's executor or representative (the person who deals with their personal affairs).
  • If you are a surviving partner and you confirm that you are now the only adult in the household, we will give you a single person discount.
  • If the person was an occupier who lived alone, we'll exempt the property from council tax until tenancy is ended, or until probate is granted. Charges may become payable after six months.
  • If the household is claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, or the surviving partner may now qualify for benefit, we will adjust the claim if necessary.

Use the Tell Us Once service to report a death to most government organisations and council departments in one go.

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