Council Tax after Death

lincroft1710

Touchwood007 said:

Thanks everyone, appreciate all your comments. The six month exemption has gone by and they have been checking that it’s still on the market (which it is). I’ve explained that we’re unable to pay until the property sells. They already have a DPA (charge) on the property which we had to take out to pay for her care so I’m at a loss as to why they want me to start paying. 

You may be dealing with different council departments or different parts of the same department regarding the DPA and CT. But as the 6 month exemption period has ended, the council have correctly sent you a CT bill.  

Sarahspangles

Touchwood007 said:

Thanks everyone, appreciate all your comments. The six month exemption has gone by and they have been checking that it’s still on the market (which it is). I’ve explained that we’re unable to pay until the property sells. They already have a DPA (charge) on the property which we had to take out to pay for her care so I’m at a loss as to why they want me to start paying. 

I suppose the inevitable question is why it’s not selling - but possibly not for this forum.

Gloria17

12 months after Probate was granted to me as the Executor, the local authority slapped me with a 100% Second Home Premium. As many have said, they treat this as a personal debt, not as a debt of the estate.  They have told me that a solicitor's Letter of Undertaking would prevent any legal actions. However, as I'm using a cheaper than usual solicitor, the solicitor can't do anything until the house is sold, when I won't need it anyway!

user1977

Touchwood007 said:

I’m at a loss as to why they want me to start paying. 

Are you sure they mean "you" as an individual, and not "you" as administrator? Of course it's possible you've been speaking to somebody who does't understand the distinction, but somebody at the council should (especially if they've put it in writing).

Keep_pedalling

user1977 said:

Touchwood007 said:

I’m at a loss as to why they want me to start paying. 

Are you sure they mean "you" as an individual, and not "you" as administrator? Of course it's possible you've been speaking to somebody who does't understand the distinction, but somebody at the council should (especially if they've put it in writing).

As far as the OP is concerned the difference is mute, as executor they are responsible to pay the costs associated with the house until it is sold. If that can’t be done from estate assets then it becomes tricky. If they can afford it they can pay from their own funds and recover those costs from the estate once sold. Another option is to take out an executor loan to cover the costs of CT, utilities, insurance ect.