When a person passes away it is important to let us know so that we can update our records.
If you use the GOV.UK - Tell Us Once service to report the death, the information will be passed to us.
We only need to know about the death of someone under 18 if you were getting a Council Tax reduction that was linked to their circumstances.
When you contact us to report a death, you'll need to have the following information:
- the person's name, address and date they died
- the names of any other adults who still live in the property
- the name, address and contact details for the executors if the property is unoccupied
How will the Council Tax be affected?
If there were two adults in the property
The Council Tax bill might have been in the name of one or both occupants. If only one person continues to occupy the property, the Council Tax will be transferred into their name and you should fill in the Sole occupier discount form. If the Council Tax has been overpaid, we will transfer any credit to the new account for the surviving adult in the household.
If the person who has passed away was claiming Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction
Their claim will be ended from the date they died. If you are on a low income, you can make a new claim. Visit our Benefits pages to find out more.
If there were more than two adults in the property
If more than two adults previously occupied the property and one person passes away, it is important that Council Tax is in the name of the remaining owner(s) or occupants.
If the person who passed away lived alone
If the property was rented by the person who has passed away and is now unoccupied, Council Tax is no longer charged to them from the date of death. Responsibility for Council Tax usually passes to the landlord from that point, even if the tenancy hasn’t officially ended.
If the property was owned by the deceased, the property will be exempt for as long as it remains unoccupied and until probate is granted.
It is important that the executor(s) provide the Council Tax department with:
- A copy of the grant of probate
- Details of the transfer or sale of the property
Please visit our website www.knowsley.gov.uk and click on the upload evidence icon.
Following the grant of probate, a further 6 month exemption is possible as long as the property still forms part of the estate, has remained unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else.
After 6 months, a charge is payable whilst the property remains unoccupied. You can view more information on our Empty properties page.
Requesting a Council Tax refund on a deceased person’s account
If you have received a Council Tax bill showing a credit on the deceased person’s account, these monies can be returned to the executor(s) named on the grant of probate. If there are more than one executor, you will need to provide signed confirmation from each to confirm that they agree on who the credit should be paid to.
In some circumstances probate will not be required as the property was not owned by the person(s) who passed away. In this case you will need to provide a copy of the Will to confirm that you are the sole executor. If there are more than one executor, you will need to provide signed confirmation from each to confirm that they agree on who the credit should be paid to. If there is no Will, you need to explain why you are entitled to the refund and confirm no other person is entitled to the credit.
To request a refund, you must provide evidence of your bank account showing your name, address, sort code and bank account number. You can provide a photograph image or screenshot; it doesn’t have to be a full statement. Please do not send photographs of a bank card.
You can provide a bank account that is not in your name, however you must tell is why you want to use this account.
We cannot refund into a savings account or by cheque.
Please visit our website www.knowsley.gov.uk and click on the upload evidence icon.
If you cannot submit a refund request online, you can visit one of our libraries to provide the evidence using our scan stations. There are digital buddies available to support you if needed.
You can view library locations and opening times here.
Contact: 0151 443 4476