Need some council tax advice

numptyboy

I really need some advice re my council tax - I've never posted on a forum before so please put me right if I'm doing things wrong here.

Basically, for one reason or another I haven't paid any council tax for approx 6 years. I went back to live with my father who told me that the council tax was paid for his home. (I later found out that he was getting a rebate). Since his death 3 years ago I've been living with various friends and partners. I'm now living with with my girlfriend and plan to marry and buy a house and would like to sort out my arrears as painlessly as possible. My girlfriend is panicking (as you can imagine).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

**Amy**

Hi

You need to get copies of your Credit Reports both from Experian and Equifax:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score#your

You need to check these for any defaults or CCJs registered against you.

I may be wrong, but if you lived with other people it would be down to them to inform the council you lived there, and you dont actually get charged indvidual council tax, its for your property.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/tax/council_tax.htm#Arrears

There is some advice above.

If you are still not sure it may be worth contacting www.nationaldebtline.co.uk. They are a charity and will give free advice and it is very good.

I hope this helps.

x

OliveOyl_2

Where do you think you owe this tax?
If you were a guest of friends there is no liability for it.
Where you are now, you may need to ask the landlord or the council about your contribution.

good luck anyway

numptyboy

Thanks Amy,

My credit is fine just now, I've never actually been pursued for Council Tax and have current account/cards etc and no other oustanding debts.

I stayed most of the time with a family who paid the full Council Tax. I suppose that would mean they would be okay and would not have to pay anymore?

I've been at my girlfriends for 1 year now. I expect I'll have to pay back what she will owe now (She's been getting single person's reduction)

Cheers

numptyboy

Olive Oyl,

I was getting into a panic that I'd have to pay for the time I spent at my dad's and my friend's. Thought if they were getting a rebate they'd get hammered too.

I know someone who recently got a bill of £8000 but I suppose that must have been on their own property.

**Amy**

I do think you are exempt from previous things. If you credit file is ok etc. then there doesnt appear to be anything to worry about.

I would, however, recommend contacting the Council ASAP regarding your girlfriends council tax as the single persons reduction etc. will obviously mean you need to pay the extra.

Please please do this ASAP, contact the council and let them know.

x

RAS

Hi

If your GF has been claiming single person's allowance, it is her who could get in trouble.

It might be best to get the money together and let the council know you have moved in and they can send a back dated bill. She could say it was sort of temporary and then became more permanent.

The time you lived with a family is covered anyway.

dotstar24

I didn't think council tax arrears were recorded on your credit file?