Council tax

What is Council Tax?

The Council Tax is a contribution that you must make to help pay for local services.

There is one bill for each home, whether it is owned or rented. Part of the Council Tax goes directly to the Greater London Authority which pays for the police and fire authorities. The bill is based upon the capital value as determined on 1 April 1991 by the Inland Revenue's agency, The Valuation Office.

The amount of Council Tax that you have to pay is based upon this valuation and any discounts or exemptions that you may be entitled to.

How do I pay my Council Tax?

Your bill will be automatically calculated and split into monthly instalments. Direct Debit payers get longer to pay their Council Tax, as they can now choose whether to pay over 10 or 11 monthly instalments.

Details of how to pay are outlined below.

Town Hall Cashier Office

Closed from Thursday 14 August 2008

A temporary cashiering facility for payments by card or cheque will be open at Barnet House, 1255 The High Road, Whetstone, N20 0EJ from Monday 18 August and cash from Thursday 21 August on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am – 4.30pm and Wednesday 1.30pm – 4.30pm.

You can also pay using the alternative payment options offered.

Make life easier, Pay by Direct Debit

This is the preferred method of payment and now there's an easy way to sign up - by phone. Simply call us with your bank details on 020 8359 2608 to set up your instruction and we'll send you a letter to confirm straight away.

There are a number of advantages in paying your Council Tax by Direct Debit:

you have a choice of six dates: the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th or 25th of the month
for bills issued in March for the forthcoming financial year, we are now offering you a choice of 10 or 11 monthly instalments
it is more convenient for you, as the payments are collected from your bank account automatically
the payment is protected by the Direct Debit guarantee, which is offered by all banks and building societies that take part in the scheme, and you can cancel at anytime
this is the cheapest and most efficient method; this will help to keep Council Tax increases to a minimum and maintain the quality of services provided by the council
Direct Debit payers help us to concentrate our resources on pursuing those residents who are deliberately not paying their Council Tax.

To pay by Direct Debit, and to spread your payments over 11 monthly instalments either phone us as above or download, print, sign and return the direct debit application form (PDF: 35KB)
if you are an existing direct debit payer, and wish to extend your instalments to 11 months, please email us using the contact details opposite.
Any direct debits due on 1st April will be debited on 5th of April and then the 1st of each month there after.

By standing order

Customers who pay their account by standing order will be sent a form attached to their bill. This must be promptly sent to your bank when you receive your bill.

If you wish to change to this method please email us using our contact details opposite. We can print the standing order form for you.

By BACS or telephone/internet banking

To use this facility, please pass the following details to your bankers:
Payee: London Borough of Barnet
Sort Code: 08-90-78
Account Number: 61058295
Account Reference: See your Council Tax bill. (Starts with a 4)

It is important that these account details are used for Council Tax payments only.

Online payments

You can pay for Council Tax online using a debit or credit card. Please note we have upgraded our online payments system and you will need to include your address and postcode to which your card is registered.

Automated telephone payments

A 24 hour automated payment line is available by dialling 0845 3563456. You will need to have your Council Tax reference, and credit or debit card handy when you call. Electron cards are not accepted by this service.

Full details are explained by the automated service but if you experience any difficulties please:

Tel: 020 8359 2425 (during office hours)

By post

Crossed cheques and postal orders, made payable to London Borough of Barnet, can be sent to:

Revenues
London Borough of Barnet
PO Box 1617
London, NW4 4BJ.

Please write your account reference on the reverse of the cheque or postal order, but please do not send correspondence to this address. We do not accept third party or post dated cheques.

Sending cash by post is not recommended but if unavoidable, should be sent by registered post.

At the Post Office

We can send you a payment booklet that can be used at any Post Office. The Post Office will charge you a fee per transaction to use this facility. Please email us at local.taxation@barnet.gov.uk to request booklet. This booklet allows flexibility to be used at a bank or the council's cashier's office.

By payment booklet

We can send you a booklet, which you can use at your bank, the council's cashier's office, or a post office. See 'At the Post Office' for more details.

Annual or half yearly payments

If you wish to settle your account in yearly or half yearly instalments please email us at local.taxation@barnet.gov.uk

Related Service Area Information: Council Tax