How to Notify the Council About Council Tax After a Death
The council needs to know about a death for council tax purposes. There may be an exemption if the property is empty, or a single person discount if you are now living there alone.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Council tax account number (on the bill)
- ✓Property address
- ✓Deceased's full name
- ✓Date of death
- ✓Whether the property will remain occupied (by a spouse or other household member) or will be empty
- ✓Tell Us Once reference number (if you used the service)
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I'm calling about the council tax for [property address], following the death of [full name] on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate. [If applicable: I used the Tell Us Once service and wanted to confirm you've received the notification.] I'd also like to ask about the empty property exemption.
What to ask for
- –Confirm the council has been notified of the death (whether via Tell Us Once or this call)
- –If someone is still living at the property: update the liable person's name and check whether the single person discount (25% off) now applies
- –If the property is empty: apply for the Class F exemption (England and Wales) or the equivalent exemption (Scotland). This provides a council tax exemption for empty properties following a death
- –How long the exemption lasts. In England, an empty property is usually exempt until probate is granted, then for up to a further six months while it stays unoccupied. In Wales, it is exempt for up to 2 years from the death while waiting for probate, then up to 12 months after. In Scotland, it is exempt until Confirmation is granted, then up to 6 months after
- –What documents are needed to apply (death certificate, Grant of Probate in England)
- –Written confirmation of the exemption or account changes
Watch out
In England, an empty property is usually exempt until probate is granted and for up to 6 months after; in Wales, for up to 2 years from the death and up to 12 months after probate; in Scotland, until Confirmation and up to 6 months after. You usually need to apply, so contact the council early. Northern Ireland uses a different system (rates) - contact Land & Property Services, where there is no single person discount but people aged 70 or over living alone can ask about Lone Pensioner Allowance.
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Frequently asked questions
For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →