How to Set up your Council Tax in the UK: 10 min Step by Step Guide, by The Hyperloop Family on YouTube. 10 min 32 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 32 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Find which council covers your address by entering your postcode on the gov.uk council finder. It gives you the council name and a link to their website.
Open the council's council tax section and look for a moving in or new resident form. Many councils let you register online in a few minutes.
Fill in the property address, your move-in date and the names of all adults living there. Councils use this to work out your bill and any discounts.
Check whether you qualify for a discount, such as the 25 percent single person discount or a student exemption. Tick the box and upload proof if asked.
Wait for your council tax bill, which shows your band, the yearly amount and the monthly instalments. It usually arrives within a few weeks.
Set up a direct debit using the link on the bill or in your online council account. Choose the payment date and enter your bank sort code and account number.
Confirm the direct debit mandate. Your bank may ask you to approve it in their app, and the council sends a confirmation once it is active.
Check your first payment left your account on the date shown. If it did not, call the council's council tax line before the next instalment is due.
Tips and common mistakes
Set the payment date just after payday so the money is always there.
Tell the council as soon as someone moves in or out, or your bill and discounts will be wrong.
Keep your council tax reference number handy for calls and online accounts.
If you are struggling to pay, contact the council early to ask about a payment plan rather than missing instalments.
Questions
Do I have to pay council tax if I rent?
Yes, in most rentals the tenant is responsible for council tax. Check your tenancy agreement, as some include it in the rent.
How long does it take to set up the direct debit?
Usually a few working days after you submit the mandate. The first payment often comes out the following month.
Can I pay council tax without a direct debit?
Yes. Most councils offer online card payments, bank transfer or a payment card, though direct debit often spreads the cost over 10 or 12 months.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
