A Council Tax Reference Number is assigned to all residential properties in the UK.
This blog will explain what it is, who has one, how to find it, and when it needs to be used.
What is the Council Tax Reference Number?
The Council Tax (CT) Reference Number is a unique identifier. It’s assigned to every property in the UK that is liable for Council Tax.
It is an 8—or 9-digit number. It’s useful for councils to identify properties for administering and collecting Council Tax.
The CT Reference Number stays with the property. It does not change, even if the occupancy changes.
It is not the same as the Council Tax account number. The latter is specific to the resident, not the property itself.
Does everyone have a council tax reference number?
Yes, every property that pays Council Tax has a unique number. This includes all types of properties:
- Houses
- Flats
- Bungalows
- Mobile Homes
- Houseboats.
Properties that are exempt from Council Tax may not. This includes:
- Student halls
- Care homes
- Vacant properties.
How is a Council Tax Reference Number assigned?
A property’s CT Reference Number is assigned when it first becomes liable for council tax.
Even if a property becomes exempt at any point, it can be reactivated again.
When a new residential property is built, it will get assigned a Council Tax band.
At this point, the council issues a new CT Reference Number.
For existing properties that are already banded, a CT Reference Number is assigned.
This usually happens when a property changes from being exempt to becoming liable for Council Tax.
The CT Reference Number will stay the same even if the property changes hands.
The new residents will inherit the existing number rather than being issued a new one.
This ensures continuity and enables the council to track the property’s Council Tax record seamlessly.
How to find my Council Tax Reference Number
Check your Council Tax bill
The CT Reference Number is printed on your annual Council Tax bill and demand notice. It does not change from year to year.
Contact your local council
You can call, email, or visit your local council’s website.
They can provide the CT Reference Number for any address within their catchment area.
You just need to give them your name, address, and move-in date.
Check previous correspondence
If you have received any letters from the council about your Council Tax account, they will also likely display the CT Reference Number.
Ask your landlord
If you rent your property, request the CT Reference Number from your landlord or letting agent, as they will have this on record.
Check the Land Registry
The CT Reference Number is recorded against a property on the Land Registry. So, if you know your home’s title number, you can find it there.
When is a Council Tax Reference Number useful?
Moving house
Providing the new local council with the CT Reference Number for your old address can speed up setting up your new account.
Appealing your band
When submitting an appeal to challenge your property’s council tax band, you must provide the CT Reference Number.
Checking your discount
The council will ask for the associated CT Reference Number to query or verify any of your council tax:
- Discounts
- Exemptions
- Benefits.
Paying your bill
Including your CT Reference Number as the payment reference can ensure your payment is allocated correctly.
Especially if you pay online or over the phone.
Reporting changes
You’ll need it when telling the council of any changes in circumstances related to your Council Tax.
Making enquiries
Giving the CT Reference Number upfront will help them locate your records faster.
What does a Council Tax reference number look like?
CT Reference Numbers come in two formats: Eight or nine digits long. They’re comprised solely of numbers 0 to 9.
There is no particular pattern or formula for assigning reference numbers. They are generated sequentially in no specific order.
The numbers are unique within each local authority district.
No two properties in the same council area will ever be assigned the same CT Reference Number.
However, separate councils may use the same reference number as it is unique only within their own records.
