How do I find out how much Council Tax I owe?
You can check your outstanding balance by using our online balance checker, you will need your Council Tax reference number to do this. Alternatively you can call in or ring the Council’s Finance Contact Centre.
Why do you only pay 10 months Council Tax?
Households in England will be able to spread their council tax payments over the full tax year, rather than over 10 months as now, from April. The existing regime makes it more difficult to budget properly, and paying over 10 months means that when residents pay, they pay more each month than if it was split evenly.
What happens if you can’t pay Council Tax?
If you’ve missed a Council Tax payment, you’re in ‘arrears’ – this means you owe money to your council. You’ll have to pay court costs and possibly bailiff fees as well as your debt, which can add hundreds of pounds to your bill. Council Tax arrears is a ‘priority debt’.
How long does it take to receive a council tax refund?
We aim to refund your money within 10 working days from the date you apply.
What month is council tax free?
February and March are the two months of the year when you don’t pay council tax.
How can I reduce my council tax band?
You can only formally challenge your council tax band if you’ve lived in the property for six months or less. This is also called making a proposal to change your council tax band. This is done through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
Can bailiffs force entry for council tax?
If the bailiff is collecting any other kind of debt they aren’t allowed to force entry. This includes if they’re collecting: council tax arrears. credit card or catalogue debts.
Does not paying council tax affect credit score?
Not paying your council tax can lead to all sorts of problems, but it won’t affect your credit score. Local councils do not pass data, either good or bad, to the credit reference agencies.
Do I have to declare a lodger?
If you have given the lodger reasonable notice to leave your home and they refuse to go, you will need to obtain a court order to evict them. Declaring payments: If you exceed the maximum amount, you must declare the payments as income to HM Revenue & Customs and pay tax in the normal way.
Is council tax split between occupants?
Council Tax bills cannot be split between joint council tax payers. For example, if three people live in the property there will only be one bill issued to the household and not three bills for one third of the Council Tax.
Can I get a council tax refund?
As Council Tax payments are mostly paid in advance, where there is a change in your circumstances a credit may occur on your account. These credits can be refunded to you after verification. A refund will only be completed if your account is in credit and you do not owe any other amounts of Council Tax.