Not registered for Council Tax 10yrs - do I owe 10yrs?

Jason122

Hi! Silly question, I misunderstood Council Tax when I took my first self-contained studio, didn't register for Council Tax and now found I should have. I have now registered, of my own volition, but am scared I owe 10yrs worth. Is it likely they will pursue this? There's no way I can pay that quickly! Thank you. Jason

marcia_

Jason122 said:

Hi! Silly question, I misunderstood Council Tax when I took my first self-contained studio, didn't register for Council Tax and now found I should have. I have now registered, of my own volition, but am scared I owe 10yrs worth. Is it likely they will pursue this? There's no way I can pay that quickly! Thank you. Jason

 Yes you owe 10 yrs which the council will do anything make you pay, though you can make an arrangement to pay over time. 

anselld

Jason122 said:

Hi! Silly question, I misunderstood Council Tax when I took my first self-contained studio, didn't register for Council Tax and now found I should have. I have now registered, of my own volition, but am scared I owe 10yrs worth. Is it likely they will pursue this? There's no way I can pay that quickly! Thank you. Jason

Depends on the circumstances.   Was the property listed for CT 10 years ago?  The Council can only demand CT for properties which have their own CT listing by the VOA.  If it has been listed all that time it is difficult to understand how the Council would not have demanded CT for all that time… No bills, letters, enquiries, etc?

Flugelhorn

is the property listed for CT ? was it newly converted / built when you moved there?

Bigphil1474

If the property was liable for council tax for the last 10 years the council will have been writing to the occupier to find out why it wasn't being paid and probably escalated it to their visiting team. Clearly that hasn't happened. Presumably this is either a new build or a conversion from commercial to housing? Someone has messed up in registering the premises. They could ask for 10 years worth of council tax, but I would just keep my head down and see how it goes. As above, they won't demand all 10 years at once even if they do twig on.

youth_leader

Are you renting or an owner?

newsgroupmonkey_

Looks like you're only on the hook for 6 if they haven't written to you.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/debt_advice/resources_for_debt_advisers/council_tax_debt_more_than_six_years_old

theartfullodger

Very likely you owe a lot.  

'umbly suggest you arr friendly, helpful and prompt with council.  Council tax debt is one of the very few debts you can end up in jail for. 

Not knowing you should have registered and paid doesn't eliminate the debt, anymore than a driver "not knowing" there is a 70mph limit still has to pay the fines.

I knew someone bankrupted for over £12k of council tax.  Unfortunately he was on ex-tenant who also owed me ££££ and as made bankrupt meant I got nothing.  

As this is a family forum I am unable to express my views fully.  Especially as he'd ripped off council for that much.

Flugelhorn

youth_leader said:

Are you renting or an owner?

if renting, is there any possibility that it was included in the rent??

ic

Council tax is the only bill you are required to pay by law, and if you don't can be sent to prison.  As mentioned the council want the money, so will come to agreements where they can - prison is the last resort if you refuse to make an example of you to other people that think they can avoid paying.

Bigphil1474

Good point above - you aren't confusing electoral roll with council tax are you? Either someone else has been paying council tax or the council doesn't know your property exists so haven't asked about it.