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Council tax during probate (UK): quick checker

Probate situations vary by local council. This page helps you work out what’s likely based on common patterns (occupied vs empty, probate timing, and empty property premiums). Use the result as a starting point, then verify with your council.

Quick checker

This checker focuses on the biggest factors councils usually care about: is it occupied, has probate been granted, and how long it’s been empty. You’ll get a likely outcome plus a “what to do next” list you can follow.

Is the property currently occupied? Are you the executor / personal representative (or acting for one)? Has probate been granted yet?

Likely outcome (estimate)

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What to do next

What to gather before you contact the council

Property address and council tax account reference (if you have it)
Date of death (and death certificate if available)
Executor/personal representative details
Probate/grant status (applied / granted) and the grant date if granted
Whether anyone lives there and since when (if occupied)
When the property became empty (if empty) and whether it is furnished

Estimates only. Not legal advice. Rules vary by council and change over time. Always verify with your local authority.

Guide

If someone lives in the property

Council tax usually continues when a property is occupied.
There may be discounts (for example, single adult discount) depending on who lives there.
If the resident is a spouse/civil partner, the council tax position is often straightforward (but still check for discounts).

If the property is empty during probate

Many councils offer a time-limited exemption or reduction for estates, especially before probate is granted.
After probate is granted, councils may start charging after a set period.
If the home stays empty for a long time, some councils apply an empty homes premium.