Paying your Council Tax

You can pay your Council Tax in monthly instalments, in a lump sum when you get your bill or in two half year instalments.

We will assume you wish to pay monthly, though if you want to pay annually this must be done at the beginning of the tax year (April).

Any half yearly payments must be made in April and again at the beginning of October.

Pay by Direct Debit

Direct Debit is the simplest way to pay your Council Tax. It's simple, quick and safe and you don't need to remember to pay.

You can spread your payment in 10 or 12 monthly instalments with a choice of five payment dates on the 1st, 7th, 15th, 21st or 28th of the month.

Set up a Direct Debit

If the front of your bill states that your payment method is by Direct Debit, you do not need to complete a new instruction as your Direct Debit will automatically continue each year.

Can I pay 12 months instalments?

Yes you can pay over a 12-month period. To arrange for this 12-months arrangement please email ctax@preston.gov.uk.

Pay Council Tax online

You will need your Council Tax reference number and a debit or credit card.

Pay your Council Tax online

Pay by standing order, telephone banking, online banking or pay at a bank or building society

Please quote your Council Tax account reference number together with the council's bank account details:

Account name: Preston City Council
Account No:13162739
Sort Code:16-28-33

The council's bank is - The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc.

Pay by credit or debit card over the telephone

Telephone 0345 155 0028 and follow the step by step instructions.

Pay at the Post Office

To pay at the Post Office take your bill and present it with your payment. If you do not present your bill you may be charged for the transaction.

Find your local Post Office branch

Pay at a PayPoint

There are nearly 22,000 PayPoint places in the UK where you can pay your Council Tax. Look out for the PayPoint logo in the following locations:

newsagents
convenience stores
supermarkets
garages

To find where your nearest PayPoint is please visit PayPoint and use the PayPoint Store Locator.

To make a payment at a PayPoint take your Council Tax bill to the counter with your cash or card. The transaction is then processed and a receipt is printed for you to retain as proof of payment.

How to find your Council Tax account number

Your Council Tax reference number is an 8 digit number and it can be found on the top right-hand side of your bill, just above the bar code.

Your Council Tax balance

If you want to check what your Council Tax balance is at any time you can View your Council Tax account online by registering for a self serve account.