Your council tax bill explained

How to pay and help to pay

Pay by direct debit
Set up a Direct Debit

Set up a Direct Debit

The easiest way to pay your council tax is by Direct Debit - payments are taken on a ten monthly basis (April - January), with no payments in February and March.

You can choose to have your payments taken out of your bank account on either on the 1st, 10th, 18th or 25th of each month. 

To set up or amend a Direct Debit, visit our council tax portal.  Make sure you have your banking details and your council tax reference number to hand.

Please remember: If you have already set up a Direct Debit, you do not need to set up another one when you receive your new bill.

Pay by card, cash or cheque

Alternatively, you can pay by debit or credit card:

  • Online at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/pay

  • On our 24-hour automated payment line on 0345 234 0068.

  • Call our customer services team on 01543 308000 weekdays - Friday 9am - 5pm. Our lines are usually very busy first thing on a Monday morning (or Tuesday after a bank holiday) and at lunchtimes, so please be aware you may have a short wait at these times. 

You can also pay by cash at a Post Office, PayPoint or Payzone. The Post Office also accepts cheques. You will need to take your bill with you as it has a barcode on it which needs to be scanned.

Always quote your council tax account number when making a payment.

Sign up for an online account

The easiest way to manage your council tax is to sign-up for a council tax account. With an account you can check your balance, check your bill, and make payments. 

Sign up for a council tax account

Discounts, exemptions and council tax support

If you are on a low income you may be able to claim council tax support. You can also get a 25% discount if you live alone or there are others who are not counted in your household for council tax purposes, such as students. To find out more visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/discounts

Remember, if you receive a discount, exemption or council tax support, you must tell us about any changes that may affect this within 21 days or you may be fined £70.