Reclaiming discount on council tax bills

goodmorningsunshine

A couple of questions;

I'm on a mission trying to get all my paperwork sorted - will take a while - believe me !!!

Anyone know how you go about reclaiming and how far back you can go to reclaim the discount as being the only person living in the house? and

I take it they will need some kind of proof you have been the only one living there? What will they ask for?

HappyMJ

Depends on the council. If you've paid the bills probably only this year. If you've not paid the bills then as far back as you have outstanding bills in dispute for. You'll need proof. The electoral register would help if you are the only adult registered to vote for all those years. They may do a DWP check to make sure any claims you've made have been as a single person. You cannot prove you either do or do not live alone they take you on your word. If you say you live alone then you get the discount....remember though that lying will get you into extremely serious trouble with the court if you're found out.

lincroft1710

HappyMJ wrote: »

The electoral register would help if you are the only adult registered to vote for all those years.

The electoral register only shows people entitled to vote. Another adult could be living in the house, but not entitled to vote. Also, it is not unknown for the head of the household to omit the names of those entitled to vote if it is to their benefit.

goodmorningsunshine

HappyMJ wrote: »

Depends on the council. If you've paid the bills probably only this year. If you've not paid the bills then as far back as you have outstanding bills in dispute for.

I am totally up to date with my payments and as yet I have not disputed anything

You'll need proof. The electoral register would help if you are the only adult registered to vote for all those years.

I am only talking about 2 years since I bought the house and as for the electoral register - I'm not sure if I'm on it or not.

They may do a DWP check to make sure any claims you've made have been as a single person.

I have not made any claims, as I work

You cannot prove you either do or do not live alone they take you on your word. If you say you live alone then you get the discount....remember though that lying will get you into extremely serious trouble with the court if you're found out.

They seemed to find out somehow that I bought the house as the first bit of mail I received was a council tax bill for the month of March (which I presumed was free, as Feb and March are free if you pay over 10 months, but not so)[/

societys_child

You pay the annual charge (12 months) over 10 months, it's not Buy 10 - get 2 free . .

CIS

They seemed to find out somehow that I bought the house as the first bit of mail I received was a council tax bill for the month of March (which I presumed was free, as Feb and March are free if you pay over 10 months, but not so)[/

From the previous owner most likely - council tax is due for every day of the year however the full years charge is usually paid in 10 monthly instalments - April to January . You pay for February and March but it's included in the 10 payments.