When can I expect my bill?
You’ll usually get your annual Council Tax bill in March. This is sent by post and you’ll be presented with several ways to pay.
Your first installment is usually due on 1 April and the amount of each installment is detailed on your bill. You’ll also see the date your other installments are due. Unless otherwise stated, you’ll pay a total of 10 installments between April and January.
Other payment frequencies are available, including the option to pay your bill over 12 months.
Please note, the number of installments due will be lower and the amount payable per month will be higher if your bill is issued after 15 April of the respective financial year.
Who should pay Council Tax?
The person responsible for paying the Council Tax is known as the ‘liable person’. In most cases that will be the owner-occupier or tenant living in the property. For every property, the liable person is the person who appears highest in the following list. (For example, the person who owns and lives in the property would always come first and then you move down to the following.)
- The person who owns and lives in the property
- The statutory or secure tenant living in the property
- The person living in the property under a contract of licence
- Any other resident including squatters
More than one person can be held liable if they’re in the same position. For example, married couples, joint tenants, or unmarried spouses. Only those aged 18 or over are liable to pay Council Tax. This can include married or unmarried spouses. Only those aged 18 or over are liable to pay Council Tax.
If no-one lives in the property the owner is the liable person. The owner is also liable for the following properties:
- Residential care homes, nursing homes and hostels
- Properties where religious communities live
- Houses split into separate flats, or rooms that are rented out separately
- Second homes that the owner’s servant lives in
- The homes of ministers of religion
- Houses provided for asylum seekers
How can I pay my Council Tax?
Direct Debit – If you wish to pay by Direct Debit, please complete the online Direct Debit mandate. For help or other advice with this mandate, please submit an Enquiry Form.
Installments – Council Tax payers who wish to spread their payments over 12 months may do so on request. Please contact us as soon as you receive your bill to arrange this. Please note, any request to pay over 12 instalments must be made on or before 14 April of the relevant financial year.
Cash Payments – You may pay at any Post Office or retail outlet where you see the PayPoint symbol. To do this, you need to present the unique barcode printed on the front of your bill. To find your nearest outlet, please visit Allpay.
Telephone with Debit and Credit Card Payment – Telephone payments can be made using debit or credit cards on our 24-hour freephone payment service 0800 0351566. Please ensure you have your account reference number to hand.
Internet Payments – Payment can be made using the Council’s Online Payments where most major credit and debit cards can be accepted.
Difficulties paying
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax please complete this form. We will review the information provided and then contact to discuss your payments. If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax you can contact Citizens Advice for help and advice – Citizens Advice North Yorkshire.
Who to contact for help
If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for help with your Council Tax and/or rent. Please submit an Enquiry Form for advice and information.
If you have any other queries with your new bill, please contact us via our range of online forms.
If you have a query regarding a letter or visit from Rossendales Ltd or Bristow & Sutor, the Council’s appointed enforcement agencies, you should contact them directly:
Rossendales Ltd, Wavell House, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 4NB
Telephone 0844 701 3980 Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.30pm and Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm or email info@rossendales.com.
Bristow & Sutor, Barfleet Road, Washford, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0FL
Telephone 08716770071 or Email info@bristowsutor.co.uk.