How to pay your Council Tax

We send your Council Tax bill in March each year for the financial year ahead (1 April to 31 March). We may also send you a revised bill if your account needs adjusting at any time in the year.

You can pay your Council Tax bill in full or in instalments. Your first payment should be made within 14 days from when we send you the bill.

If you’d prefer to receive an electronic bill, you can sign up for online billing in My Bentax.

Take a look at our video help guides for step-by-step instructions on how to register for a My Bentax account, set up a Direct Debit, or pay your bill by card.

Ways to pay

Pay by Direct Debit

The easiest way to pay your Council Tax is by Direct Debit. You can choose to have your payments collected on the 5th, 12th, 18th or 25th of each month, over either 10 months (April to January) or 12 months (April to March).

Setting up a Direct Debit is easy - just go to My Bentax and select 'pay by Direct Debit'. You'll need your:

  • Council Tax account number
  • bank sort code
  • bank account number

You can also register for a My Bentax account. You'll then be able to manage your Direct Debit and view your bills, payments and letters. You'll also be able to apply for Council Tax discounts and benefits.

Pay by debit or credit card 

You can pay your bill in instalments by debit or credit card on our pay page.

You'll need your nine digit Council Tax reference number to make a payment.

Pay by phone

You can pay by calling our 24 hour automated telephone payment line on (01226) 775445.

We accept all cards apart from American Express and Diners.

You'll need your nine digit Council Tax reference number to make a payment.

Pay by standing order

To set up a standing order, contact your bank and give them your nine digit Council Tax reference number and our bank details:

  • Bank name: Barclays Bank plc, 27 Church Street, Barnsley, S70 2AJ
  • Bank sort code: 20-08-07
  • Bank account number: 83651142

You'll only need to quote your Council Tax reference number when setting up the standing order. 

Make an offer of payment

If you'd like to make an alternative offer of payment to that on your Council Tax bill, you can fill in our combined arrangement form