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How to pay and problems paying your Council Tax bill
If you want more information on how to pay your Council Tax bill, or if you have difficulties paying, this guide will explain how your council can help you, as well as the different ways of paying your bill.
Paying your Council Tax bill and different payment methods
Direct debit
A direct debit gives your council the authority to claim payments from your bank account. You will need to fill in a direct debit form, which you can get from your council and return it to them. Direct debits will continue until you tell your bank to stop making the payments. If your payment goes up, your council can increase the amount you pay as long as they have informed you.
Standing order
A standing order gives an instruction to your bank to pay set amounts to your council. To set up a standing order you have to tell your bank how much to pay the council, on which dates, giving the bank your Council Tax reference number. You will need to renew your standing order each year as the amount of each instalment and the reference number will probably change.
Online and e-billing
Many councils accept online payments, and offer an electronic or e-billing service. The links below will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.
By post
If you want to pay by post, send your payment to the address shown on your bill. Your bill will tell you who to make your cheque or postal order out to. Write your full name, address and Council Tax reference number on the back of the cheque when you send it. Don’t send cash by post as it isn't a secure way to pay.
By phone
You may be able to pay by phone, and many councils have an interactive phone service.
In person
Your council may accept payments in person. They will give you details of where and when you can go to pay your bill. Don’t forget to take your bill with you.
Other ways
Other payment methods include 'Paypoint' or 'Quickcards' for cash payments at post offices, banks, newsagents or convenience stores.
What to do if you can't pay
Tell your council as soon as you think you're going to have a problem paying your bill. They may be able to reduce what you have to pay, for example if you qualify for a discount you didn't know about or if you qualify for Council Tax Benefit.
Alternatively your council may be able to agree a different timetable for making payments.
If your council doesn't know you're having problems paying, they may take legal action to recover the money, and you could end up having to pay a lot more.
Missed payments
If you miss a Council Tax instalment you'll get a reminder notice giving you seven days to bring your Council Tax payments up to date.
If you don't pay within this time, or if after a second reminder you fall behind with your payments again, you'll be asked to pay the full outstanding balance of your Council Tax bill.
If you don't pay the balance, the council will probably start legal action to recover the money.
Getting advice
If you are having trouble with your finances and you need more free help and advice, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you're on a low income
Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate
If you're on a low income, or you live with another adult (not your partner) who's on a low income, you may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate. This will mean you'll have some or all of your Council Tax paid for you. You may also be able to have your claim backdated if there's a valid reason why you weren't able to claim earlier.
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