Can I pay Council Tax in 12 monthly payments?

For Council Tax payers who want smaller monthly payments spread across the whole year.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Yes. Council Tax is usually split into 10 monthly payments, but you can ask your council to spread it over 12 instead.

The total you pay for the year stays the same, but each payment is smaller.
Contact your council to ask, especially if you are struggling to pay.
You can usually pay online, or in cash at shops that offer PayPoint, Payzone or Quickcards.
In England and Wales, if you miss a payment and do not pay within 7 days of a reminder, you can lose the right to pay monthly and owe the whole year's bill.

Different in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Scotland: you may also be able to pay weekly, every 2 weeks, or over 12 months.
Northern Ireland has domestic rates, not Council Tax.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Usually 10 payments a year
Ask your council for 12
Same total, smaller payments
Missed payments: lose instalments

What paying in 12 monthly payments means

Your Council Tax bill covers the year from April to March. Councils usually split it into 10 monthly payments. You can ask your council to spread it over 12 monthly payments instead.

The total for the year stays the same. Each payment is just smaller.

How much you pay each month

Example: your bill for the year is £2,400.

Plan	Number of payments	Each payment
Standard	10	£240
Spread out	12	£200

That is £40 less each month, but you pay for 2 extra months.

Who it is for

GOV.UK says to contact your council straight away if you are having trouble paying, as they can help, for example by spreading payments over 12 months instead of 10. Your council decides whether to agree.

How to ask for 12 payments

Find your council's website on GOV.UK.
Look for Council Tax payment options, or contact the council's Council Tax team.
Give your Council Tax account number, shown on your bill.
Your council sends you a new bill or payment plan with the new dates.

Ways to pay

You can usually pay online, or in cash at shops that offer PayPoint, Payzone or Quickcards. Your bill shows which ways your council accepts.

Things to know

Missing a payment is serious. In England and Wales, the council sends a reminder giving you 7 days to pay. If you do not pay within those 7 days, you lose the right to pay monthly and have to pay the whole year's bill at once. The council can then ask a magistrates' court for a liability order.
Get help with the bill itself. You may be able to get Council Tax Reduction, or a discount, such as 25% off if you live alone.
Free help: Citizens Advice can help you deal with your council.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Scotland: the bill is also usually split into 10 monthly payments. You may be able to pay over 12 months, or every week or 2 weeks. You can also set up a Direct Debit or standing order. Ask your council.
Wales: the same GOV.UK rules apply. Ask your council.
Northern Ireland: there is no Council Tax. You pay domestic rates instead.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Council Tax: paying your bill (GOV.UK)
Council Tax arrears (GOV.UK)
Pay your Council Tax bill in Scotland (mygov.scot)
Council Tax: who has to pay and discounts (GOV.UK)

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Find your council

Common questions

Does paying over 12 months cost more?

No. You pay the same yearly bill, just split into 12 smaller payments instead of 10.

What happens if I miss a Council Tax payment?

In England and Wales, your council sends a reminder giving you 7 days to pay. If you do not pay within those 7 days, you'll have to pay the whole year's bill instead.

Official sources

1.Council Tax: paying your bill (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/council-tax/paying-your-bill
2.Council Tax arrears (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/council-tax-arrears
3.Pay your Council Tax bill (mygov.scot)www.mygov.scot/council-tax/pay-your-bill

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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