Request a refund on your Council Tax account
Council Tax payments are mostly paid in advance, so if your circumstances change you may be owed a refund.
When a refund can be issued
We will issue a refund if you move home and do not owe any other money to Birmingham City Council.
If you are owed a refund and are moving to a property within the city, we can:
- transfer the credit to your new Council Tax account
- issue a refund as a Bacs payment or cheque
Who the refund can be issued to
Only the person who paid the Council Tax can request a refund. We may ask for proof of payment to make sure that the personal details match the Council Tax account and the refund application.
Joint accounts
If your Council Tax account is a joint account and you do not pay by Direct Debit, you must provide either:
- a signed letter from both people named on the Council Tax bill giving permission for the refund to be paid to one person
- proof of the last payments made covering the credit amount such as a copy of a bank statement or receipts
If the Council Tax account holder has passed away
If you are claiming a refund on a Council Tax account for someone who has passed away, you must provide either:
- proof of probate
- a copy of the will naming you as an executor or administrator of the account
If there are multiple named executors or administrators, you must also provide a signed letter of authority from all parties giving permission for the refund to be paid to you.
How to get a refund
Request a refund by completing our online form. By submitting this form, you are signing an agreement electronically.
You must ensure:
- all the details within this form are correct
- if applicable, you include copies of documents to prove you have permission to receive the refund payment
Page last updated: 13 March 2026
