Double Council Tax demands after a death - truly awful.

Cash_Cow

canaldumidi said:

Cash_Cow said:

Gavin83 said:

I'm confused by the math here. If they're charging £400 a month from the date of death where has the £5k amount come from?

Approx 12x£400 = £5k ish...

So the property has been empty for a year? Is there a mortgage? Proper insurance? Clearly the long term plan for the property needs deciding, and dealing with, as costs (not just CT) will mount up.

No.  She died in mid March. Preparing a property for sale takes time and dealing with my mums lifelong possessions takes time for someone who has 2 kids and runs 2 businesses and lives 160 miles away.  Giving some breathing space would be a bit more compassionate - especially as she was killed.

canaldumidi

Gavin83 said:

Cash_Cow said:

Gavin83 said:

I'm confused by the math here. If they're charging £400 a month from the date of death where has the £5k amount come from?

Approx 12x£400 = £5k ish...

So your mum passed away a year ago?

Cash_Cow said:

I'm telling you what the bill I received was.  Yes it can be paid monthly.  I don't need any more grief thanks.

But not telling us whether that covers a period before her death, or since. Makes a difference to the scenario.

Cash_Cow

She always paid her bills!  What they do is end her account on date of death and then invoice the next person going forward.  Death was mid March and the CT year starts April 1st usually l I think. And I guess they invoice upfront - standard?

canaldumidi

So the £5K bill is for this coming year. If you were to sell the property tomorrow (theoretical) the bill would be adjusted and you'd pay CT up to 21/5/22.

So, as suggested above, you need to make decisions about what will happen to the property, which to some extent depends who inherits, which is not clear.

Cash_Cow

I am in the process of making these decisions - but many seem to be bearing down on me hard.  I don't know if you have been in this situation as it was all a massive shock and so I was unprepared.  I need time and yes I will sell the house but it needs preparing etc etc  I also think the £5k bill is an affront - but thats me and yes it's emotional.

 I inherit everything - but yes I can empty the house and put her sofas in the garage etc to please the state and they then defer this type of bill. And I know that is fine and dandy by some.  Me, it upsets - this is personal not just business. Its cruel to wield such a baton - whether anyone agrees or not - just stand in my shoes dealing with everything. 

Sorry - bit upset tonight - but there it is. 

user1977

But (in case you missed the comments above) it's not a bill you actually need to find the cash for now, it's one which can be deferred until you've sorted probate and have the money (whether by selling the house or otherwise). Creditors who deal with estates on a regular basis understand the practicalities of settling these accounts (even if they don't hold off from telling you what is owed).

Thrugelmir

Cash_Cow said:

I am in the process of making these decisions - but many seem to be bearing down on me hard.  I don't know if you have been in this situation as it was all a massive shock and so I was unprepared.  I need time and yes I will sell the house but it needs preparing etc etc  I also think the £5k bill is an affront - but thats me and yes it's emotional.

 I inherit everything - but yes I can empty the house and put her sofas in the garage etc to please the state and they then defer this type of bill. And I know that is fine and dandy by some.  Me, it upsets - this is personal not just business. Its cruel to wield such a baton - whether anyone agrees or not - just stand in my shoes dealing with everything. 

Sorry - bit upset tonight - but there it is. 

I've dealt personally with both my parents estates. Far from easy going through their personal possessions , paperwork, clothes, disposing of furniture, settling their debts , realising their assets. One has to remain pragmatic throughout the process when wearing the executor's hat. As it is a formality requiring a business mentality. 

Shelldean

Council tax is billed in advance.
So in March 22 we got our Bill for April 22-Mar 23.

I'm guessing that OP has also received a bill for the upcoming year.

Try actually speak to them,  or better yet email or write to them so you have a paper trail. And explain you will pay once the house is sold.
But for now Foxtrot Oscar!!!!!  Or at least the polite version😁

Thrugelmir

Shelldean said:

Council tax is billed in advance.
So in March 22 we got our Bill for April 22-Mar 23.

I'm guessing that OP has also received a bill for the upcoming year.

Try actually speak to them,  or better yet email or write to them so you have a paper trail. And explain you will pay once the house is sold.
But for now Foxtrot Oscar!!!!!  Or at least the polite version😁

People are only doing their jobs. There’s no shortage of rude and aggressive people in this world as it is.

Flugelhorn

it will be the upfront bill for the next year - appreciate it is different with the TIC and the OP owning it under survivorship.

In the case of probate they usually allow you about 6 months after probate CT free (even with furniture in there). I managed that with 2 kids 4 jobs and 120 miles, even if I had gone over the 6/12 the money would have come from the estate, not me.