All address changes
Local Authority · Council Tax
Setting Up Council Tax at Your New Address
Tell both councils about your move so your old account closes and the new one opens correctly.
Overview
Council tax is billed continuously and tied to the property, so a move means closing your account with your old council and opening one with the new. If you're moving between local authorities, you notify both. Most councils have a short online form for moving in and moving out.
How to update
- Notify your old council you're moving out — use their 'moving home' online form with your move date
- Register with your new council using their 'moving in' form and the date you take occupancy
- Provide your move dates accurately so final and opening bills are calculated correctly
- Check whether you're due a refund or owe a balance on the closing account
When to do it
Notify both councils around your move date — they need your actual move-in and move-out dates to bill correctly. There's no benefit to doing it weeks early, but don't leave it long after moving.
If you forget
Leaving the old account open means you keep being billed for a property you've left. Failing to register with the new council leads to a backdated bill, sometimes a large one.