Council tax guides

Council tax is the bill most likely to catch people out when they move, because the responsibility starts the day you get the keys and the council will not chase you politely. These guides cover registering at a new address, what your band means, how to claim the discounts and exemptions you are entitled to, and how to avoid picking up a previous occupant’s arrears.

There are also explainers on where the money actually goes, how bands are set and challenged, and what happens when a council gets into financial trouble. Use the council tax checker to see what your address should be paying, and read what council tax pays for if you want the full breakdown.

For band challenges and the official rules in England and Wales, start at GOV.UK. In Scotland, bands are handled by the Scottish Assessors.