Council tax payment method

Blububble1

I've recent moved into my first rental property since coming out of university and I was wondering whether you have to set up a direct debit to pay the Council Tax in monthly installments rather than 2 lump sums over the 6 month period? It's a bit late for the place I'm currently renting but this will be helpful for future reference. Thanks!

p00hsticks

I think it will depend on the particular council, so it;s best to check on their website. I'm pretty sure that in mine you can pay monthly using paypoint (they give you a card and you then pay the amount at local paypoint places such as shops and off-licenses) or by going in to the local council offices and paying over the counter.

But one word of warning - if you use this method you need to be sure you pay on time every time, and the onus is on you to make sure you do this. Paying monthly rather than annually upfront is regarded as a privilege, not a right, and as soon as you miss one monthly payment, you can epxect to receive a bill for the entire years tax to be paid within 28 days.

CIS

Your local authority will be able to give you the payment options as they vary from area to area.

The remainder of this years council tax has to be paid by 31st march however they don't have to give you more than 1 payment (although many will).

Next years charge will be taken over a minimum of 10 monthly payments although you local authority may already allow more. If you wish to pay 6 monthly you need to check with them to see that they will allow it.

As an extra, even if a local authority does not currently allow you to, from 1 April 2013 you have the right to pay by 12 instalments providing that you make the request in writing and the bill is issued prior to 16th April 2013

PlutoinCapricorn

I have been paying this way for many years now, with no problems.

It is actually 10 payments per year: there is nothing to pay in February and March.

CIS

It is actually 10 payments per year: there is nothing to pay in February and March.

Only if the local authority apply the statutory instalment scheme but from April 13 you will be able to elect to pay over 12 months if you so wish.

Blububble1

CIS wrote: »

Your local authority will be able to give you the payment options as they vary from area to area.

The remainder of this years council tax has to be paid by 31st march however they don't have to give you more than 1 payment (although many will).

Next years charge will be taken over a minimum of 10 monthly payments although you local authority may already allow more. If you wish to pay 6 monthly you need to check with them to see that they will allow it.

As an extra, even if a local authority does not currently allow you to, from 1 April 2013 you have the right to pay by 12 instalments providing that you make the request in writing and the bill is issued prior to 16th April 2013

Great, hopefully my bill will come through early enough so I can request for the 12 instalments! Thanks!

CIS

Great, hopefully my bill will come through early enough so I can request for the 12 instalments! Thanks!

It should do as they need to issue it at least 14 days before the 1 April 2013 (for a person on the default 10 instalments) so that should in theory give you a minimum of 30 days.