Get something off your chest about local taxation in the UK right now at the Council Tax Discussion Forum
Literally millions of people in the UK have recently noticed a dramatic increase in their Council Tax bill. Now is the time to have your say, and to discuss your issues with like minded people. And unfortunately it's not just Council Tax that causes us a problem in the UK, the Poll Tax still affects the lives of people in the UK years after it was abolished.
Come in for some advice or get something off your chest!!!
What is Council Tax?
Council tax is a system of local taxation collected by local authorities. It's a tax on domestic property. Generally, the bigger your property is, the more tax you will be charged. Some properties are exempt from council tax. Each year, every local authority will set a rate of council tax for each valuation band.
Not everyone will have to pay the full amount of council tax. There are three ways in which your council tax bill may be reduced. These are; the reduction scheme for disabled people, discounts, and council tax benefit and second adult rebate. Council tax bills should be sent out in April. You have the right to pay by 10 instalments. Local authorities may accept weekly or fortnightly payments. Some may also offer a reduction in the total bill if it is paid all at once, at the beginning of the year.
When you have not paid an instalment of council tax on the date it is due, your local authority must issue a reminder, asking for payment within seven days. If you fail to pay within this period, you lose the right to pay by instalments and a full year's council tax becomes payable. If you don't pay this within the next seven days, your local authority can ask the magistrates to issue a liability order. A liability order allows a local authority to make arrangements for the arrears to be paid by deductions from your income support, jobseeker's allowance or wages, or for bailiffs to seize your goods to the value of the amount owed. Alternatively, you could be sent to prison by the magistrate's court if you do not pay. If your local authority issues you with three reminders for late payment of instalments within the same financial year, you will also lose the right to pay by instalments. A full year's council tax becomes payable when the third reminder is issued. However, in practice, your local authority may continue to accept payment by instalments, as long as they are paid on time.