Council Tax

Daz_rush

Could somebody please help me regarding a due payment for my late fathers council tax? I have received a bill for an outstanding balance when he was alive and from since he died and there is absolutely no way I can afford to pay it.
I have asked if the payment can be deferred until the house is sold but I was told that they cannot do this. I owe £28 for when he was alive and £200 since the house has been empty.
He was on benefits when he was alive and i never knew I would have to now pay the full council tax amount. I understand the legislation and I appreciate that I have to pay council tax from now on.
But there is no way I can afford the outstanding bills, could somebody help?

Mrs_Arcanum

Firstly ask for an empty property discount for the period after your fathers death. This may save some money and give you more time to pay. Sadly Council Tax is one tax you cannot get out of paying whether you can afford it or not (only those on benefits get help).

molerat

The estate is responsible for the council tax and not you unless you live or lived at the property, did you ?

peachyprice

Do you still live in the house? If you do ask them to recalculate the period after your dad died giving you single persons discount.

If you don't/didn't, as Molerat says above it's not 'your' bill to pay.

CIS

I have asked if the payment can be deferred until the house is sold but I was told that they cannot do this. I owe £28 for when he was alive and £200 since the house has been empty.

If the property was unoccupied since his death then an unlimited Class F exemption applies until probate is granted. Once probate is granted then a further maximum of 6 months exemption can be awarded.

McKneff

You are not liable for any debt solely in your fathers name. If his effects dont cover it, then any debt dies with him.

Daz_rush

I never have lived in the house, although I have been granted probate and I am now executor of the estate.
Does this mean I will havto pay all the money? As I said I definitely can not afford to pay until the house is sold.
Will the council take me to court for non payment?

molerat

You are not responsible for payment. CIS mentioned entitlement to exemption so you need to speak to the council re this. Any money actually due (from before his death) has to come from the estate i.e. the sale of the property or his cash savings etc and not your personal money. If you are uncertain what to do make an appointment with your local CAB.

Who was the council tax bill adressed to, your father, you personally or the executor ? If you, how did they get your details ?

McKneff

Did father not have any assets he left, savings, car etc.

Obviously the first person to be paid is the funeral director has to be paid first
then debts.

And I'm sory you lost your dad.........