Moving house? Don't forget your council tax!

Are you moving house? Then it is important to arrange your municipal tax before you move. Moving house brings enough worries with it, and at De Meubeltaxi we understand that all too well. Whether you are moving within your current municipality or to a new one, it is important to know where you stand. Not only do we help you transport your belongings safely, but in this blog we also provide clarity about municipal tax when moving house. This way you can Prevent movingstress and start your new chapter!

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What do municipal taxes mean for your move?

Municipal taxes are levies you pay for the services provided by the municipality. These include waste collection charges, sewerage charges and, for homeowners, property tax (OZB). These taxes can vary from one municipality to another. If you move to another municipality, you will have to deal with a number of administrative changes. Whether you are moving with professional moving company Whether you move to Rotterdam or prefer the quieter Dordrecht, your tax liability always follows you. 

Declare municipal taxes on time when moving house!

So, you've taken the big step and moved house! Congratulations! Now it's time to take a moment between unpacking to register your new address. This is a piece of cake and can be done in no time at all. But beware: if you forget to do this, the local council can fine you up to €325. That's a waste of money, isn't it? And your old local council? You don't have to say goodbye to them, that happens automatically. 

Do you know who is allowed to report a change of address? Well, there are a few people. But the government has clear rules about this. We will list them for you so that you know exactly who is allowed to do what!

  • A person of legal age themselves
  • A minor acting on their own behalf (aged 16 or 17)
  • Registered partners or cohabitants for each other or themselves
  • Parents of minor children if they live at the same address
  • An authorised person

Make sure you have your documents ready! Valid identification – such as your passport, ID card or driving licence – is essential. And don't forget proof of where you live, such as a rental contract, deed of sale or a letter of consent from the main occupant. That way, you'll have everything in order and can arrange your municipal tax without any hassle when you move!

Refund of municipal taxes when moving house

Did you know that you may be entitled to a refund on your council tax when you move house? Imagine you have already paid your council tax for the whole year and you move out halfway through the year. In that case, you are entitled to a refund for the period you no longer live in your old house. Below you will find a step-by-step plan to get your money back. This will allow you to get some move more cheaply!

Step 1: Check your situation
– Payment date: First, check when you paid your municipal taxes (such as waste collection and sewerage charges).
– Moving date: Mark the date on which you officially moved out of your old home and registered with the new local authority.

Step 2: Calculate your refund
– Pro-rata refund: Municipalities often calculate the refund based on the number of full months that you no longer live in your old home. For example, if you move in July, you are entitled to a refund of the tax for the months of August to December.

Step 3: Self-monitoring and action
– Automatic settlement: In many cases, the local authority will automatically settle this refund after you have notified them of your move. This means that you will receive a refund without any additional effort on your part.
– Check for yourself: Although refunds are often processed automatically, it is wise to check this yourself. After a few weeks or months, check whether the refund has been processed. If not, it is best to contact the local authority.

Step 4: Contact the local authority
If you notice that the refund has not yet been processed, please call or email the customer service department of your former local authority. Make sure you have the following information to hand:

  • Your moving date.
  • Proof of payment of municipal taxes.
  • Your new address.

Waste collection charges: What exactly are waste collection charges?

Waste collection tax is a municipal tax levied to cover the costs of waste collection and processing. This ensures that streets remain clean and that waste is recycled or processed in a responsible manner. The amount of this tax may vary from one municipality to another, as each municipality has its own waste management policy.

How does waste collection tax work when moving house?

When you move house, there are a few things you need to know about waste collection charges:

  1. Pro rata calculation: In most municipalities, waste collection charges are calculated on a pro rata basis. This means that you only pay for the period that you actually live in the property. So if you move in July, you will only pay waste collection charges for July to December in your new municipality for that year.
  2. Unsubscribe and subscribe: It is important to deregister with your old local authority and register with your new local authority. This ensures that the waste collection levy is calculated correctly and that you do not pay unnecessarily for a period in which you no longer live in the old local authority area.
  3. Differences per municipality: Each local authority has its own rates and rules for waste collection charges. It is wise to check this in advance so that you know what to expect. For example, some local authorities offer discounts for single people or have special arrangements for bulky waste.

Property tax as a municipal tax when moving house

The OZB is the annual contribution that you, as a proud homeowner, pay to the local council. Are you planning to sell your property within the year? No problem, because the OZB is calculated proportionally until the day the keys are handed over. The new owners? They take over from you and pay the OZB from the moment they receive the keys. This way, everything is divided fairly and everyone can sleep soundly.

How does property tax work when you move house?
When purchasing a new home or moving to another municipality, there are a few important points to consider:

  1. Annual tax assessment: Property tax is charged annually, based on the WOZ value of the property on 1 January of the relevant year.
  2. No pro rata: Unlike waste collection and sewerage charges, property tax is not calculated on a pro rata basis. If you are the owner on 1 January, you pay property tax for the whole year, regardless of whether you move later in the year.
  3. Please enquire upon transfer When transferring ownership of a property, it is customary for the solicitor to settle the property tax between the old and new owners for the current year.

Advice for a smooth transition:

  • Check the WOZ value: It is wise to check the WOZ value of your new home, as this value forms the basis for calculating the property tax.
  • Budgeting: Take property tax into account in your annual budget. Because this tax is not pro-rata, it can be a significant expense.
  • Request for assistance: If you have any questions or uncertainties about sewerage charges or property tax, please do not hesitate to contact your new local authority. They are ready to help you with information and advice.

Water board tax when moving house

When arranging your municipal tax when moving house, don't forget the water board tax. This tax ensures that everything related to water in your area continues to flow smoothly. The good news is that if you move house and have paid too much water board tax, you can often expect a refund. Double-check this with the water boards of your previous and new local authorities to ensure that everything is in order with your local taxes when you move house.

Step 1: Learn about water board tax
– Two types of charges: Most people pay both a sewage charge (for wastewater treatment) and a water system charge (for water management).

Step 2: Notify the water board of your move
As with municipal taxes, it is important to notify the water board of your move in good time. This can often be done through the local authority where you register or directly with the water board.

Step 3: Check the statement
– Automatic settlement: In many cases, the water board will automatically settle any overpayment or underpayment after your change of address has been reported.
– Pro-rata basis: As with other taxes, you pay for the period that you actually live in the water board area. If you move in the middle of the year, you should therefore see an adjustment to your payments.

Step 4: Do the check yourself
– Check after moving house: After moving, check whether you have received an adjusted invoice from the water board. This may take some time.
– Please contact us if anything is unclear.: If you have not received an adjusted invoice after a few months, or if something is incorrect, please contact the water board. Prepare yourself by having your moving date and any proof of previous payments at hand.

Do you have any questions about municipal tax when moving house? Our team is ready to answer all your questions. With De Meubeltaxi, moving house is a piece of cake! Take a look at our for Moving with Children!

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