Council demand name of new owner to close council tax account

[Deleted User]

Hello



I've moved abroad and have requested closure of my council tax account. I think I might have a very small refund due or a zero balance. I owned my ex-council leasehold property and the freeholder is the local council.So when I sold the property, the local council are notified in a change of leaseholder.



They took about a month to get back to me saying they will only issue a refund if I provide the name of the new owner. I was feeling a bit shirty, so said that I didn't think it was my information to provide - especially as they already hold that information via the sale (albeit in a totally different department).


A few months have passed with very slow responses from them. They are unwilling to budge on this matter and restate that unless they get the name from me or my solicitor, they are not closing the account and that I remain "liable". I was wondering if they have a 'right' to make such a request and claim I am liable, when clearly the same council know I no longer live there or own the place.



I assume that a private company could not insist that I provide someone else's name... but is this different when it comes to the council? Also what are my rights to a refund/account closure when I clearly no longer own or live in the property but am refusing to share the new owner's name?


I know, I know, this is very petty :rotfl: but at the same time I dislike how large organisations can throw their weight around and deny individuals their rights... and then come back at us with 'Data Protection Act and GDPR' the moment we forget our memorable data, pin, password and who knows what else.

HampshireH

Yes it's petty.

You can evidence proof of sale so send them that.

Until you prove the sale completed then you will be deemd by them as liable.

Departments talking? Don't be daft....

00ec25

yes it petty. I would expect a taxpayer to understand why taxpayers in general are held with suspicion that they may be trying to close accounts "early". But then of course it appears you are no longer a UK taxpayer so presumably have different standards of behaviour

theartfullodger

If I ever have a change of occupants for a property I send both the council and affected parties an email with details of all, plus dates, and forwarding addresses.


What's the problem?



I'm in favour of assisting the authorities collect lawfully due tax. Many might say one's duty. I 'ates tax cheats.


Cheers all!