Paying council tax bills

How are council tax payments worked out?

Your local council will send you a bill in March showing how much you need to pay for the coming financial year. The financial year begins in April.

Your payments are worked out based on:

• The value of your house
• Your age
• Your income
• Who else lives with you

Households in Northern Ireland pay 'rates' rather than council tax. Read our guide to dealing with rates arrears.

Council tax bills show how much you will pay over the whole year, but it is often split into 10 payments. You can pay in weekly or monthly instalments.

You can ask the council if you can pay in 12 monthly payments. They must allow this if you ask.

You will have less time to pay your council tax bill if you get it later than April. This can happen if you move house. You must pay the bill in full before the end of the financial year (March).

In Scotland, council tax covers sewage and water charges. You must pay these, even if you are eligible for a council tax reduction.

Can I get a discount on my council tax payment?

You can apply for your council tax payment to be reduced if:

• You live on your own or the only other members of your household are full-time students, apprentices or considered mentally impaired
• You are above pension age
• Someone in your house is disabled and you have adapted your property
• You are on a low income or benefits

Each council has different schemes. Check with your council to find out if you can apply for a discount.

Make sure you tell your local council if your situation changes in the year. They will send you an updated bill.

Read our guides for more ways of saving money and increasing income.

Do I have to pay council tax if I am on benefits?

Yes, you do. But you may be able to get a council tax reduction if:

• You are on a low income, or
• Your income is made up of benefits

The council lowers your bill based on how much you earn in benefits. Each council has different rules for who qualifies.

Use our free benefits calculator to find out which benefits you can get.

Can I complain if I think my council tax bill is wrong?

Council tax is charged in bands based on the value of your house in 1991.

• More expensive houses are in a higher band and pay a higher annual council tax bill
• Band A is the cheapest and band H or I is the most expensive
• Your band is shown on your council tax bill

Ask for your house to be assessed again if you think your council tax band is wrong. You can save money if your house is changed to a lower band. But there is also the risk it could also go up.

Contact your local council first if you have any problems with council tax. Make a complaint if:

• You think you have been treated unfairly, or
• Your bill is wrong

You must give your local authority 12 weeks to reply to your complaint.

These independent organisations can offer more help if you are not happy with the reply.

• In England - Local Government Ombudsman
• In Wales - Public Service Ombudsman for Wales
• In Scotland - Scottish Public Service Ombudsman

Get help with council tax debt

Struggling with council tax payments could be a sign you need debt advice.

Take two minutes to find out what help you need. We will find the best way to help you.