What to do about Council Tax in the event of a death

How will Council Tax be affected by the death of an adult occupant?

When a property had been occupied by a single person, who either owned or rented the property. and that person dies, the property is exempt from Council Tax payment for as long as it remains unoccupied, and until probate is granted.

Following a grant of probate, a further six month exemption is possible as long as the property remains unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else.

Executors must let us know:

  • the date probate is granted
  • details of the transfer or sale of the property or the end date of the tenancy
  • when the estate is settled.

During this time we may contact the executors periodically to review entitlement to the exemption.

Six months from the date probate is granted the full Council Tax will be due to be paid by the executors of the estate.