Council tax
Warning about a Council Tax hoax? (February 2010)
We have received reports that a Council Tax hoax is operating in some London boroughs.
The hoax involves an individual telephoning unsuspecting residents pretending to be a council officer or a representative from a private company acting for a claims court and informing them of an overpayment or underpayment in Council Tax. They then ask for the resident’s bank details to provide a rebate/refund.
What to do if you receive a call?:
- Be cautious. Please exercise extreme caution if you receive a call from anyone claiming they are a council officer.
- No need to confirm your details with us. Sometimes the Council Tax office may phone residents to discuss payment; however we will have all your Council Tax information and will not require you to confirmation your details.
- If in doubt, ask for their details. If you have any doubt as to the authenticity of the call, please take the caller’s name and extension number and call the Council Tax office on Tel: 020 8359 2608 to verify the details.
- We will write to you, not ring you about refunds. In most cases the Council Tax office will notify residents of any refunds due in writing. If you receive a call from anyone claiming that they are from the council and that you are due a Council Tax refund, it will be a hoax.
- Protect yourself. Do not give out your personal banking or card details.
Personal visits to your home
- There are some occasions when Council Tax officers may make visits to properties; however these are usually confirmed by an appointment.
- If you are visited by a council officer please request photo identification and if you are at all in doubt, contact the Council Tax office on 020 8359 2608 for verification.
Warning signs to look out for
- You are encouraged to take immediate action
- You are asked to provide your bank account details
- You are asked to make a purchase to win a prize
- You need to contact a premium rate telephone number
- You receive an unsolicited (unwanted, uninvited) call
- The person contacting you is reluctant to give their address or contact details.
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.
- Council Tax and Business Rates information 2009/10
(PDF: 1.62MB)
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.
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 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. You will need to include your address and postcode to which your card is registered. Please note credit card payments incur a charge of 1.8%.
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. Please note credit card payments incur a charge of 1.8%.
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 49085
London, N11 9AG.
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 a payment 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
Email this pageLast modified by: Mike Godleman on 25/02/2010