Council Tax - Payment FAQ's

Can I pay my Council Tax online?

Yes you can Pay it online.

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If I pay in one lump sum do I get a discount?

There is no discount currently given for paying in one lump sum.

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Can I set up my direct debit over the telephone?

You can now set up direct debit payment over the telephone, simply telephone 01268 882200 press option 1 and our advisors will set this up for you. Please make sure you have your council tax reference number and bank account details when you telephone. Various monthly payments are available as well as weekly payments (Friday only).

For all payment options please see the How to pay your Council Tax bill page

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Can I pay at the end of the month?

You can only pay at the end of the month (28th) if you elect to pay by direct debit.

If you pay by cash / cheque you must make payment by the 7th of each month otherwise you will run the risk of receiving a reminder notice, and continued late payment could lose you the right to pay by instalments.

If you wish to pay via direct debit simply telephone 01268 882200 press option 1 and our advisors can set this up for you. Please have your council tax reference number and bank account details when you telephone.

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When and how can I pay my Council Tax?

The following payment methods are available: Online, Direct Debit, Credit or Debit Card, BACS, or by post. If you don’t pay by direct debit, payment must reach us by the 1st of each month. There is more information on the back of your Council Tax bill.

1. On-line: Pay it online

2. By Direct Debit: (a) over ten months on 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st or 28th April to following January inclusive; (b) over twelve months on 1st, 7th,14th, 21st or 28th April to following March inclusive; (c) two half-yearly payments by 7th May and 7th November; (d) one payment by 7th May. The number of instalments will be fewer if you become responsible for paying Council Tax later in the year.

If you wish to pay via direct debit simply telephone 01268 882200 press option 2 and our advisors can set this up for you. Please have your council tax reference number and bank account details to hand. Alternatively, complete the quick and simple online direct debit claim form below. Use the controls on the top of the form for navigation. Once you have submitted the online instruction we will confirm your direct debit plan has been set up. Please have your council tax reference number and bank account details to hand.

3. By credit or debit card using our automated telephone payment service. The telephone number is 0845 0232 568. We can issue receipts by e-mail or we will give you the receipt number from the bank or credit card company if you use this method.

The Council will be introducing Credit Card Charges for all payments except Parking Fines form the 1st April 2011. A charge of 1.7% will be added to payments made by Credit Card. Payments by Debit Card will not be affected by these changes.

4. Payment straight into our bank account (Direct Credit)

Please give your bank your Business Rates reference number and the following details of our bank account

• Bank: Lloyds Bank, 1 Legg Street, Chelmsford. CM1 1JS
• Sort code: 30-91-56
• Account number: 00465509

5 . By post: You can send your cheque made payable to Castle Point Borough Council to Castle Point Borough Council, Department CT, PO Box 15, Benfleet. Please write your Council Tax Reference number, name and address, on the back of the cheque.

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Who has to pay Council Tax?

Council Tax is charged for most homes. There are rules which we have to use to decide who is responsible for paying the Council Tax for each property. These rules identify five categories of residents in a property.

A resident is a person aged 18 or over who lives in the property as their main or only home. We work through the categories in order. The person responsible for paying the Council Tax is the person who comes in the first category that applies to the property.

Here are the categories:

Residents who live in all or any part of the property freehold

Residents who live in all or any part of the property under a lease. The main leaseholder will be responsible for paying the Council Tax if there is more than one resident. A leasehold includes an assured tenancy.

Residents who are secure tenants of all or any part of the property

Residents who have a contract to live in all or any part of the property

Other residents

However, in some special cases, the owner will be responsible for the Council Tax, for example, if there are no residents.

More than one person can be responsible for the Council Tax

Sometimes, more than one person will be responsible for paying the Council Tax for a property. In this case, all the people with the same interest in the property will be jointly and separately responsible for the Council Tax. A good example of this is two joint owners who live in the property.

Couples

Married and unmarried couples who live together as husband and wife are always jointly and separately responsible for the Council Tax.

Civil partners or those living as if they are civil partners will also be jointly and separately responsible for the Council Tax

Main or only home

For Council Tax purposes, you are a resident if the property is your main or only home. Even if you spend time away from the property (for example working or on holiday) your main or only home is the property which counts for Council Tax.

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