In March, you will be sent a bill for the new financial year.
Your bill will tell you:
- your account reference (which you’ll need to make payments and apply for reductions)
- the total amount of Council Tax you will pay for the year
- what Council Tax band your property has been valued at
- about paying in instalments and other ways to manage your Council Tax.
If you want to review your account online, view a copy of your bill or request paperless billing you can use the My Council Tax Online account.
Read the 2024 to 2025 Council Tax booklet.
What you need to do if you pay by Direct Debit
If you pay by Direct Debit you do not need to do anything. Your Direct Debit will continue to be taken out as usual on your preferred date.
We will start collecting your new year’s Council Tax in April as long as you have not cancelled your Direct Debit.
If you pay by Direct Debit in 10 monthly instalments, your Direct Debit will start again on 15 April, 28 April or 1 May depending on your chosen payment date.
It will tell you if your payment instalments will be collected by Direct Debit at the bottom of your bill.
If you do not pay by Direct Debit and would like to, you can set up your Direct Debit.
What to do if you pay by standing order
If you pay by standing order you will need to set up a new standing order with your bank to start in April.
If you choose to pay by Direct Debit you only need to set it up once and we will just tell you the amounts that will be collected each year.
Paying at the Post Office
Your bill will have a barcode on it that you need to take to the Post Office to make your payment.
You do not need a payment booklet to pay at the Post Office. We no longer issue payment booklets.
You will be charged a fee if you pay at the Post Office. You can save money if you pay by Direct Debit.
Online banking
If you pay through online banking, please quote the payment reference number shown on the front of your bill (this is your Council Tax account number).
Our bank details are:
Bank: National Westminster Bank PLC
Account name: Head Office Collection Account
Bank account number: 00000000
Sort code: 57-17-50
If your payments end in January
Council Tax is normally paid over 10 months from April to January.
If you moved into the property last year, or your account was amended during the year, you may have been given instalments in February and March.
You can ask to pay over 12 months and choose from three payment dates when you set up your Direct Debit.
Reapplying for discounts
If you receive a Council Tax discount such as single person’s discount, you do not need to reapply as it will be automatically applied to your bill.
We will review your entitlement to the discount on a regular basis and we may send you a form to confirm you are still entitled. If you receive a form you must complete and return it or your discount will be cancelled.
Check if you're eligible for a reduction
Check if you're eligible for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or other Council Tax reductions.
You should continue to pay your Council Tax while you're waiting for your claim to be assessed or we may take recovery action.
If your bill says you owe money that you’ve paid
Your bill will include all payments received at the time the bill was produced, this date will be shown at the bottom of your bill.
Payments received after this date have not been taken into account on your bill.
Check your balance
You can also check your balance online and view billing information using the My Council Tax Online account.
Further help
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax you may be able to pay your arrears alongside your instalments in the new financial year.
Email ctax@medway.gov.uk to explain your circumstances. You need to add the reference number (shown on your bill) in the subject of your email.
If you need independent debt advice, we have a list of organisations to help.
If your bill is wrong
If your circumstances have changed or you think you should get a reduction you can let us know and:
- tell us you have moved
- apply for a discount or exemption
- apply for Council Tax Reduction (if you're on a low income)
- apply for disabled relief.
Understanding your bill
Find out more about: