Millions don't need to pay this 'priority' bill for the next two months

06 February 2023 , 13:54

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Council tax bills are considered to be a "priority payment" and failing to pay your bill on time can result in serious consequences (Image: Getty Images)

Millions of people will not have to pay for one key household bill for the next two months.

Council tax is paid by the majority of households in the UK, but some households will not have to pay it for February and March this year.

This is because these households have chosen to pay their Council Tax across 10 monthly instalments rather than 12.

Most local authorities offer alternative payment methods such as this to help spread the cost, and you can choose which one suits you the best.

You can choose to pay your full bill in a lump sum, or through instalments throughout the year.

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Council tax bills for the coming year, this year it will be for the 2023-24 tax year, are usually issued on or before April 30 and you will usually need to decide how you would like to pay when your new council tax bill comes through.

Most councils will not allow you to change how many monthly instalments you pay once your next financial year has started, which means you need to decide and confirm it beforehand.

You can tell your council what you prefer through your council's website and once you have done this you will be told exactly how much you have to pay across the year.

You can also do this over the phone.

You will also be told how your council tax is worked out and the specific dates you have to pay.

The total bill is the same whether you are paying across 10 months or 12, it is the amount you pay each month which differs.

So, if your annual bill is £1,500, then you will pay £150 each month over ten months with two months off or £125 a month over 12 months with no break.

Councils prefer to receive payment by direct debit, but you can also pay by cash, cheque or debit card.

Most councils accept payment online, over the phone, or by standing order, some councils also accept credit card payments.

Council tax bills are considered to be a "priority payment" and failing to pay your bill on time can result in serious consequences.

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If you miss one of your monthly payments, your council should send you a reminder notice giving you seven days to pay it and if you don't pay within this timeframe you

If you don't pay within seven days, you may be asked to pay the whole year's Council Tax.

If you miss it again, then you will be sent a second reminder notice, and you only get two reminder notices per financial year, which is from April to March.

If you do not pay after this notice, councils can take legal action if you fail to pay the money you owe within seven days, which could allow them to forcefully recover the money.

Ruby Flanagan