If you’ve ever moved home, changed councils, or overpaid council tax—there’s a good chance you could reclaim council tax credit that’s just sitting there, waiting to be claimed. Thousands of people across the UK are entitled to a Council Tax refund, and many don’t even know it.
Here’s everything you need to know to check if you’re owed money and how to claim it back fast.
What Is a Council Tax Credit?
When you move out of a property before the end of your billing period, you may overpay your council tax. That overpayment becomes a council tax credit. But councils don’t always refund this automatically, especially if you forget to update your address.
That means millions of pounds in council tax refunds are unclaimed each year.
You can find your local council using Gov.uk’s tool and search their website for a “council tax refund” or “council tax credit” section.
Who Is Most Likely to Be Owed?
You’re more likely to have a refund if:
- You moved home and paid council tax by direct debit
- You paid upfront for the year but moved out early
- You lived in a property with multiple tenants, and one left or overpaid
- You’re an international student or temporary resident who returned home without claiming back the credit
How to Check If You’re Owed Money
It’s surprisingly easy to check:
- Find out which local council you paid council tax to (you can use Gov.uk’s tool here)
- Visit your council’s website and search terms like “reclaim council tax credit” or “council tax refund.
- Look for a section that lets you claim a refund or submit a request
- If there’s no online form, email or call them with your old address, move-out date, and account number if you have it
💡 Tip: Include Any Joint Names
If you were on a joint tenancy or paid council tax as a couple or household, include all names that were on the bill. Councils sometimes register the credit under the first name listed.
Many of our readers are students who move frequently.
Opening a Bank Account as an International Student in the UK
How Much Could You Get Back?
Many people have been able to reclaim council tax credit amounts ranging from £50 to over £300, simply by checking with their local authority.
The average reclaim tends to fall between £70–£150, whatever the amount is, it’s your money.
There’s no legal time limit for claiming back overpaid council tax but councils are only legally required to keep records for a certain number of years (often around six). So, the sooner you check, the better.
At ScottishIndian.com, we know many of our readers are:
- Students who move frequently
- Families renting short-term accommodation
- NHS staff or care workers relocating often
It’s easy to forget these things during a busy move—but this small admin task could mean a welcome refund during tough times.
✍️ Template Email to Send Your Council
Here’s a quick message you can copy and paste:
Dear [Council Name] Council,
I’m writing to check if I have any outstanding council tax credit or refund due to me.
Name: [Your Full Name]
Old Address: [Your Full Address]
Move-out Date: [Date]I paid council tax by direct debit. Please let me know if a credit is owed and how to reclaim it.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Don’t let your money gather dust in a forgotten council account. Reclaiming council tax credit takes just a few minutes—and it could be a small windfall when you least expect it.
👉 Share this post with your friends, WhatsApp groups, or family—you might help someone else reclaim their money too.
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