Looking for information about moving house and council tax? You’ve come to the right place!
Moving house is one of life’s biggest milestones — but it comes with a long list of to-dos. One of the most important (and often forgotten) tasks? Sorting out your council tax when moving.
Whether you’re upsizing to a larger home in Christchurch, relocating to Bournemouth, or settling into one of Dorset’s charming villages, managing your council tax properly can save you time, stress, and unnecessary charges.
This guide explains exactly what you need to know about council tax when moving house, including how to notify the local council, what to expect with billing, and who else to inform during your move.
What Is Council Tax?
Council tax is a local charge set by your local authority — in our case, usually BCP Council (Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole) or Dorset Council, depending on where in the county you’re moving to.
It funds essential services including:
- Refuse collection and recycling
- Local education
- Police, fire, and rescue services
- Street cleaning and road maintenance
- Parks, libraries, and leisure facilities
Council tax is calculated based on the value of your property and how many adults live there. Properties are placed into bands A–H (England) and the amount varies from one area to another.
To check your property’s band, visit www.gov.uk/council-tax-bands
Do I Need to Tell the Council When I Move?
Yes — and it’s best to do this before you move.
Failing to update your local council can lead to:
- Overlapping council tax bills
- Missed payments
- Delays in setting up new billing
- Potential fines or enforcement action
When Should You Notify the Council?
At least 2 to 4 weeks before your move is ideal. You can notify them online using the forms below:
- Tell BCP Council You’re Moving
- Notify Dorset Council
You’ll need your current and future addresses, your moving date, and (if possible) your council tax account number.
How Council Tax Works When You Move House
You’ll usually receive:
- A final bill for your old property
- A new bill for your new address
If You Stay Within the Same Local Authority:
- You’ll receive a final statement
- Payments should continue via your existing direct debit
- Your account will simply be updated
If You Move to a New Council Area:
- You’ll need to cancel your old account
- Set up a new account with your new local authority
- Set up a new direct debit and provide relevant details
If you’ve overpaid at your previous address, you can request a refund.
Don’t Forget to Notify Other Organisations
Updating your council tax is essential — but there are many other organisations to inform when changing address. Here’s your 2025 address update checklist:
Government and Legal
- HMRC (tax and child benefit)
- DVLA (driving licence and car logbook)
- Electoral Register
- Department for Work and Pensions
Finance and Insurance
- Banks, building societies
- Credit card providers
- Pension companies
- Insurance providers (car, home, health)
Services and Subscriptions
- Utility providers (gas, electric, water)
- Internet and TV providers (Sky, Virgin, BT)
- Mobile phone companies
- TV Licensing
- Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify)
Healthcare and Education
- GP surgery, dentist, optician
- Local NHS trust (for records)
- Schools, nurseries, colleges
Others
- Employers and payroll
- Royal Mail (set up redirection)
- Clubs, gyms, memberships
- Local service providers (cleaners, gardeners)
Should I Use Royal Mail’s Redirection Service?
If you’re worried about missing important post, Royal Mail’s redirection service can forward your mail from your old address to your new home.
You can apply online at www.royalmail.com/redirection
It’s a small investment that provides peace of mind — especially if you’re unsure you’ve updated all your accounts.
Council Tax FAQs for Dorset Home Movers
Can I be charged for both homes?
Yes. If you’re responsible for two properties (for example, moving dates overlap), you may have to pay council tax on both unless one qualifies for an exemption.
What if I forget to notify the council?
You may be liable for backdated payments, missed bills, or even legal recovery action. Always update your address as soon as possible.
Can I get a discount or exemption?
Yes – single occupancy, student exemption, or disability reduction might apply. These do not transfer automatically when you move — you must reapply.
How do I update my payment method?
Use your new council’s online system to set up a new direct debit if you’re changing authority. If you’re staying within the same area, it may update automatically.
Final Tips for a Smooth Move
- Notify your council at least two weeks before moving
- Keep copies of all emails or confirmations
- Check your new council tax band after moving
- Use checklists to track address updates
- Ask your removals company for moving admin tips
Let R.H. Pardy Removals Help You Move With Ease
Now that you know more about moving house and council tax it may be time to start planning for the big day!
At R.H. Pardy Removals & Storage, we’ve been helping families and individuals move home in Christchurch and across Dorset for over 100 years. From local moves in Highcliffe, Mudeford, Southbourne and beyond, to long-distance relocations across the UK, we provide a professional, stress-free service.
Whether you’re just starting to plan your move or need last-minute help, our friendly team is here to make the process simple and efficient.
Call us today on 01202 499 390
Or request a moving quote online
