How do I pay my Council Tax?

Ways to pay

Council Tax is paid to your local council, not to central government. In England and Wales, GOV.UK asks for your postcode and sends you to your council's own payment page.

Common ways to pay include:

Your bill shows how much you owe for the year, how it was worked out and when each payment is due.

How the payments are split

The yearly bill is usually split into 10 monthly payments. You can choose to spread it over 12 months instead. This lowers each payment.

For example, a yearly bill of £1,800 is £180 a month over 10 months, or £150 a month over 12 months. The total stays the same.

If you have paid too much

If you have overpaid and have not had a refund automatically, contact your council.

What happens if you miss a payment

Act fast: after a missed payment, the council gives you just 7 days to pay.

1. First missed payment: a reminder notice giving you 7 days to pay. If you do not pay within 7 days, you have to pay the whole year's Council Tax instead.
2. Second missed payment: a second reminder notice. You only get 2 reminders in a financial year.
3. Third missed payment: a final notice saying you must pay the whole year's Council Tax.
4. Liability order: the council can ask a magistrate for a liability order. This is a legal demand for payment. After that, the council can take money from your wages or benefits.
5. Bailiffs: if other methods fail, bailiffs can take your belongings.

If you are struggling, contact your council as soon as you can. Ask about paying over 12 months, and check if you can get Council Tax Reduction or another discount. Councils may also give a one-off discount if you cannot pay. Free debt advice is available from Citizens Advice.

Paying less in the first place

Check you are paying the right amount before you pay:

• your home's Council Tax band
• discounts, such as for living alone
• exemptions
• Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income or get benefits

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

• Scotland: you also pay your local council. The bill is usually split into 10 monthly payments, and some councils let you pay weekly, fortnightly or over 12 months. You can pay online, by Direct Debit or by standing order. Keep paying while any challenge to your bill is looked at.
• Northern Ireland: the GOV.UK payment service is for England and Wales only. You pay rates to Land & Property Services instead, for example by Direct Debit, online or at a Post Office or PayPoint, in full or in monthly instalments.

Related guides

• How do I check my Council Tax band?
• Can I pay Council Tax in 12 monthly payments?
• Can I get help paying Council Tax on a low income?
• Can I get money off Council Tax if I live alone?
• What happens if I can't pay my Council Tax?
• How do domestic rates work in Northern Ireland?

Where this comes from

• Pay your Council Tax (GOV.UK)
• Council Tax: paying your bill (GOV.UK)
• Council Tax arrears (GOV.UK)
• Paying your Council Tax bill (mygov.scot)
• How you can pay your rate bill (nidirect)