Solicitors Undertaking

[yelenots]

I have my late mothers property for sale and as probate was granted over 6 months ago I have now received an invoice for the council tax. As I only work part time I have asked if this can be put on the property as a 'charge'. I have been told that I need to get a 'solicitors undertaking' - please can anyone tell me how much it will cost? Is it just a formal letter confirming it will be paid from the sale of the house?
Thank you.

[buildersmate]

It is the estate of the deceased that bears the cost of this.

Are there no liquid assets in the form of savings accounts that you (as executor) have access to that can pay this? No idea how much it costs but can't be less than £50 and possibly double that. Seems a shame to line the pockets of the legal profession over this when you are doing the rest of the estate administration as DIY.

[yelenots]

Thank you for your reply. There are no liquid assets only her property. I may give a couple of solicitors a call to get a quote.

[ubasses]

Have you already got a solicitor to deal with the sale of the house. If you have they need to do the undertaking. It is a form completed by the solicitor confirming that they will pay off the council tax bill before releasing the sale funds to yourself, and will probably not increase the final bill by too much. The council probably do not want to get involved in the costs or work to place a Charge.

[oracle39]

When My mother in law died the council tax was made exempt from when she was over 6 weeks in hospital (they back dated exemption). There was nothing to pay, a rebate was made to the estate. Its very hard to do after a bereavement but can I suggest a standard template letter be drawn up for all the services asap and then add account numbers later, enclose a death certificate, which you should request be returned to you. Having gone through a series I quickly realised everyone wants an original, so at least 3 or 4.

[Peter Pedant]

Make sure you are subject to the tax:
http://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200028/council-tax/1003/council-tax-what-to-do-in-the-event-of-a-death



When a property had been occupied by a single person, who either owned or rented the property. and that person dies, the property is exempt from council tax payment for as long as it remains unoccupied, and until probate is granted.

Following a grant of probate, a further six months exemption is possible as long as the property remain unoccupied and has not been sold or transferred to someone else.

It is important that the executor(s) keep the council tax office informed of:

the date probate is granted,
details of the transfer or sale of the property or the end date of the tenancy,
when the estate is settled

[woofgang]

PP are you feeling well? The OP has already stated that probate was obtained more than six months ago. Its not like you to be so inaccurate on two posts????, this one and the charitable status one.

[yelenots]

Thank you for your replies. I am having to pay the full council tax as probate was granted in February. I will make an appointment with the solicitor and see what they advise!