Can I pay council tax over 12 months instead of 10?

Yes. Most councils offer the option to spread your bill over 12 monthly payments instead of the default 10. The total amount is the same, but each monthly payment is smaller. Contact your council to request this.

What happens if I don't pay my council tax?

You will receive a reminder, then a final notice. If you still don't pay, the council will apply to the magistrates' court for a summons (adding £70 to £100 in costs). After a liability order, they can use bailiffs, deduct from your wages, or deduct from benefits.

Can I get a discount for paying by direct debit?

Some councils offer a small discount (typically £5 to £10 per year) for paying by direct debit. Not all councils do this, so check with yours. Even without a discount, direct debit avoids the risk of missed payments and late charges.

How to Pay Council Tax - and What Happens If You Don't (2026)

Payment methods, 10 vs 12 month options, direct debit discounts, and the full enforcement timeline if you fall behind.

Payment Methods

Direct debit

The most common and recommended method. Set it up once and payments are taken automatically. Some councils offer a small discount (£5 to £10/year).

Online

Pay through your council's website using a debit card, credit card, or bank transfer. Available 24/7.

Phone

Call your council's automated payment line. Have your council tax reference number and card details ready.

Standing order

Set up a recurring bank transfer. You control the payment, but you need to ensure the amount matches your bill.

Post Office

Pay in cash or by card at any Post Office using your council tax payment slip.

Bank

Some banks allow you to pay council tax at the counter or through their app using the council's bank details.

10 Months vs 12 Months

Default: 10 monthly payments

Payments run from April to January. February and March are payment-free months.

£2,392 annual bill

£239/month

for 10 months

Optional: 12 monthly payments

Same total, spread over the full year. Better for budgeting. Contact your council to set this up.

£2,392 annual bill

£199/month

for 12 months (saves £40/month)

When Is Council Tax Due?

Council tax bills are sent out in March or early April each year, covering the financial year from 1 April to 31 March.

The first payment is usually due on 1 April (or the first working day after). Subsequent payments are due on the 1st of each month.

If you move house partway through the year, your bill is split between the old and new property proportionally.

What If You Cannot Pay?

Contact your council immediately. Do not ignore the bill. Councils would rather work with you than pursue enforcement action. Most will arrange a payment plan or point you towards Council Tax Reduction.

Options if you are struggling:

Payment plan: Ask your council for a more manageable instalment arrangement.
Council Tax Reduction: If your income has dropped, you may now qualify for CTR (up to 100% off).
Discretionary hardship funds: Every council has discretionary funds for people in genuine financial difficulty. These are separate from CTR.
Citizens Advice: Free, independent advice on managing debt including council tax.

The Enforcement Timeline

If you do not pay and do not contact your council, this is what typically happens:

Reminder letter

Within 14 days of missed payment

You have 7 days to pay the missed instalment. If you pay, no further action.

Final notice

After second missed payment

You lose the right to pay in instalments. The full remaining annual balance becomes due immediately.

Summons to magistrates' court

Typically 4 to 8 weeks later

The council applies for a court summons. Court costs of £70 to £100 are added to your debt. You can still settle before the hearing.

Liability order

At the court hearing

If the court grants a liability order, the council gains enforcement powers. This is usually a formality if the tax is legally owed.

Enforcement

After liability order

The council can instruct bailiffs (enforcement agents), apply for an attachment of earnings (deductions from your wages), or request deductions from benefits. In extreme cases, they can apply for a charging order on your property or committal to prison (very rare).

Council Tax Debt and Credit Scores

Council tax debt does not appear on your credit file unless the council obtains a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which is rare for council tax. Most enforcement is done through the magistrates' court (liability orders), which do not affect your credit score directly.

However, bailiff action can cause other financial problems, and a liability order is a matter of public record. If a CCJ is obtained (unusual but possible), it will remain on your credit file for 6 years.

Hardship Funds

Every council has a discretionary hardship fund (sometimes called the Council Tax Hardship Fund or Exceptional Hardship Fund). This provides extra help beyond Council Tax Reduction for people in genuine financial difficulty.

These funds are separate from CTR and are decided on a case-by-case basis. You typically need to show that you have already claimed all available discounts and are still unable to pay. Apply through your council's benefits team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay over 12 months instead of 10?

Yes. Most councils offer this. The total is the same, but monthly payments are smaller. Contact your council to set it up.

What happens if I don't pay?

Reminder, final notice, court summons (adding £70-£100 costs), liability order, then enforcement (bailiffs, wage deductions, or benefit deductions). Contact your council early to avoid this.

Does council tax debt affect my credit score?

Not directly. Council tax debt only appears on your credit file if a CCJ is obtained, which is rare. Liability orders are through the magistrates' court and do not affect credit scores.

Do I get a discount for direct debit?

Some councils offer £5 to £10 per year off for direct debit. Not all do. Even without a discount, it avoids missed payments and late charges.

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