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 can you be chased for a council tax debt?
6 years
This means that councils are within their rights to collect debts owed to them for an unlimited amount of time. It is true that the council can only pursue a debt for 6 years after the last contact with you.
Does a council tax court summons affect credit rating?
Receiving a summons for unpaid Council Tax doesn’t affect your credit rating.
Does a court summons affect your credit rating?
The summons will advise you of your debt and a court hearing date. Receiving a summons for unpaid Council Tax doesn’t affect your credit rating.
What happens if you don’t pay your council tax?
Your Council Tax bill tells you: The cost is usually split into 10 monthly payments. Contact your council immediately if you’re having trouble paying – they can help you, for example by spreading your payments over 12 months instead of 10. The council can take action to reclaim any debts you owe if you get behind with your payments.
What does my council tax bill Tell Me?
Your Council Tax bill tells you: how much you have to pay for the year how that amount has been worked out the dates you have to pay
What to do if you are in council tax arrears?
Pay Council Tax arrears. Contact your council as soon as possible if you’re struggling to pay your Council Tax or are behind with your payments. You can choose to spread your payments over 12 months instead of the usual 10 to reduce the amount you’re asked to pay on each bill. Ask your council to set this up for you.
Who is responsible for paying council tax on property?
Properties where owners have to pay council tax include: residences of ministers of religion. If several people live in a property, there is an ‘order of liability’ to see who is responsible for paying the council tax bill.
