Are you organising a house move? There sure are a million things to remember to do.
Whether you’re moving within Portsmouth or relocating from elsewhere, moving house is a whirlwind of decisions, from packing to setting up utilities.
But one thing too many people leave until after moving day is council tax.
Miss a step here, and you could end up paying more than you should or facing unnecessary admin headaches, or worse, heavy fines for unpaid bills!
Here’s your straightforward guide to council tax when moving house in the UK, what you must do, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Let’s get started.
Why Council Tax Matters When You Move
The UK Government charges everyone in the UK this tax.
Council tax funds are used to organise and deliver local services such as waste collection, libraries, schools, and street maintenance.
It’s charged on every residential property occupied by adults aged 18 and over, unless an exemption applies.
When you move home, council tax follows you, literally, so it’s essential to tell the right councils about your move.
The Government has made it as easy as possible for you to cancel your current payments and then set up your new council tax account for your new home.
Tell Your Old Council You’re Moving
As soon as your moving date is confirmed, notify your current local authority (such as Portsmouth City Council) that you’re leaving your old address.
You can typically do this with a “moving home” or “change of address” form on your council’s website.
You’ll usually need to provide:
- Your current address
- Your moving date
- The forwarding address
- Who lived at the property
When you do this promptly, your council tax account will be closed correctly, and you’ll get a final bill or a possible refund for any overpaid amounts.
💡 Tip: Most councils in England ask you to tell them within 21 days of your move.
Register With Your New Council
For most of us, a new home generally means a new location.
If you’re moving to a new area, even within the UK, you must register for council tax with your new local authority.
That’s how they set up your account and begin billing you correctly. It is really easy to set up.
For guidance about how to do thi,s visit the “Start Paying Council Tax” page on the GOV.UK website.
Council Tax Starts the Day You Move In
Your liability for council tax at your new property usually starts from the day you physically move in, not when the bill arrives. That means you could be charged from day one if you delay registering.
So, even if you’re unpacking boxes and haven’t seen your council tax bill yet, you’re legally responsible for the charge from the move-in date.
If you fail to make your payments, the council will eventually catch up with you, and you will be liable for back payments.
Council Tax Bands & Charges Can Change
Not all homes are created equal when it comes to Council Tax.
Every property is assigned a council tax band based on the estimated value of the property.
This band determines how much you pay each year, and it can differ significantly between areas.
For example, a Band D home in Portsmouth will likely pay a different amount than one in another English city. If you’re moving from outside Hampshire, don’t assume the rates will be the same.
Also, it is worth noting that council tax bands are calculated differently in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
👉 Check your new property’s council tax band on the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) site.
Discounts, Reductions & Exemptions
Moving house can change your council tax situation. Discounts and exemptions include (but aren’t limited to):
- Single person discount – if you’re the only adult in the property.
- Student exemptions – full-time students may be exempt.
- Severe mental impairment exemption
- Empty home reductions – some councils reduce charges if a property is unoccupied (rules vary widely)
⚠️ These don’t automatically carry over when you move; you must apply each time.
Find out if you qualify for an exemption here.
Avoid Double Billing
If your move involves a short overlap between moving out and into your new home, you might be billed council tax for both addresses, unless you’ve informed both councils and they update your records promptly.
To avoid unnecessary charges:
- Notify both councils well in advance.
- Provide accurate departure and arrival dates.
- Keep copies of confirmation emails/forms.
This simple step can save you money and reduce post-move stress.
Keep Track of Your Records
With all the busyness of the house move, it is all too easy to lose track of the admin tasks.
To make things a bit easier, save screenshots, confirmation emails, council reference numbers, and any forms you complete.
An app is now available that lets you scan documents on your phone and print them later. It is called Mobile Scanner. A simple way to keep things under control when you need it most.
These saved documents can be lifesavers if there’s ever a dispute, like being charged twice or billed for a property you no longer live in.
How Curtiss & Sons Can Help
Whilst Curtiss & Sons can’t handle your important administrative tasks, we can ensure your relocation runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
After all, we move thousands of people across the UK, Europe, and internationally each year.
Curtiss & Sons, Portsmouth’s trusted removals experts, are here to take the heavy lifting and shifting off your plate.
We will:
- Carefully pack and wrap your belongings.
- Load them into our vehicle.
- Transport everything safely to your new home.
- Unload onto surfaces, then place boxes and furniture in the appropriate rooms.
- Offer reliable, friendly support on moving day.
While we don’t submit your council tax forms, we’ll make sure your move is the smoothest part of the process so you can focus on ticking off those admin tasks without the physical strain.
We have our own storage facilities on-site. Clean, accessible, and secure, long- or short-term, your belongings are safe with us should you require this service.
Get a free quote today from Curtiss & Sons and make your next move stress-free.
Council Tax Moving House FAQs
Do I have to pay council tax if I’m only staying a short time?
Yes, liability is based on occupancy, not duration. Moving in makes you liable from that day.
Can I get a refund if I paid too much?
Yes, if your old council account ends in credit, they’ll usually refund you or transfer the balance to your new account.
What happens if I forget to notify the council?
You could continue being billed at your old address and face extra administrative hassle, so don’t delay!
Do discounts or exemptions automatically transfer when I move?
No! Even if you previously received a single-person discount, student exemption, or disability reduction, you must reapply at your new address. Councils don’t carry these over automatically.
When does council tax stop at my old property?
Your liability usually ends on the date you move out and no longer occupy the property. The council will calculate your final bill using the exact move-out date you provide.
Can two councils charge me at the same time?
It can happen if your move dates overlap or if one council hasn’t processed your change of address yet. Notifying both councils promptly helps prevent double-billing and ensures charges are assigned correctly.
