COUNCIL TAX
Frequently Asked Questions
This leaflet outlines some of the questions most frequently asked by customers when they receive their Council Tax bill. These may help you when you read the enclosed bill. Q. A. Can I receive my bill electronically? Yes, e-billing allows Council Tax payers the opportunity to stop receiving a paper bill and to start receiving their bill via e-mail. E-billing is the fast, efficient, environmentally friendly way to receive your bills. Registering for e-billing is simple log onto www.liverpool.gov.uk/ebilling and complete the online form or email revenue.service@liverpool.gov.uk Once you have registered we will email you when there is a new or amended bill. If you move within Liverpool, your e-billing request will move with you. How can I pay my Council Tax? The easiest way to pay is by direct debit. There is a choice of five payment dates 1, 7, 15, 21 and 28. Please call 0151 233 3008 and set up your direct debit today. You can also pay: ● By debit card at any of our One Stop Shops or by telephoning our automated payment line 0151 233 2000. Liverpool Direct is open 24 hours seven days a week. Please have your Council Tax account number and debit card to hand ● Online at www.liverpool.gov.uk By Council Tax Payment Card - You can use it to pay at any Post Office™ or PayPoint outlet free of charge ● By personal visits to the One Stop Shops, to pay by cheque or debit card ● Send payment by post to PO Box 1, Liverpool L69 2DQ. Please quote your Council Tax Account number on the reverse of your cheque.
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I am unable to live in my property at the moment as the property is undergoing major repair or structural works, do I have to pay Council Tax? No you can apply for an exemption for a maximum period of 12 months. You have to apply in writing and provide evidence to support your request, for example: a builder's estimate or a surveyor's report. As we may need to visit the property it would be helpful if you could provide a contact telephone number. Why have I been sent a bill, I receive full Council Tax Benefit? If you have been awarded Council Tax Benefit then it will be shown on the bill. You may have been awarded 100% Council Tax Benefit, which means that your bill will show a nil balance. I must send a bill to advise you of this. You will receive your benefit notification letter separately. I pay by Direct Debit why have you sent me a bill? We must send a bill each year to show how much your Council Tax for the year is, how much we will collect each month and when. The bill is marked 'for information only'. You do not need to do anything. Once set up your Direct Debit automatically continues each year, there is no need to cancel your Direct Debit in February and reapply in April. Why haven't I been sent a new payment card? The payment card provided to you with your 2006/07 Council Tax bill lasts for five years unless you move address. New payment cards will not be issued at the start of each financial year. If you have lost or damaged your card and need a replacement call 0151 233 3035. My bill shows arrears but I have paid them? The bill was produced on the date shown in the top right hand corner. If you have made a payment since this date it will not show on the bill. What services does my money pay for and can I get a reduction if I do not use them? The Council Tax helps pay for services such as schools, community centres, street lighting, youth and sports centres, libraries and swimming pools. Your Council Tax also pays towards police, fire and civil defence, public transport and collection and disposal of waste. There are no reductions for people who do not use them.
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Why have I been charged 100% Council Tax on an empty property? From the 1 April 2007, the 50% discount for long-term empty properties has ended. Properties empty for over six months now have to pay 100% Council Tax. An empty property is defined as a property which is 'both unoccupied and substantially unfurnished'. The policy has changed to promote the quick renovation, clearance and re-letting of empty properties in the City.
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Why should I pay? There are people I know who don't! The Council Tax you pay funds local services including Education, Social Services and the Police. Being able to make a claim for Council Tax Benefit means that an individual’s circumstances are taken into account when calculating the amount that needs to be paid. This is a reason why someone you know doesn't have to pay. As the Council is legally required to help provide necessary services, it is committed to collecting the amounts that are due on the required dates. This is to enable a quality service to be provided at the best possible value to the community. We take swift recovery action against non-payers, if necessary through the Courts. The costs relating to this action are passed directly to the non-payer. I now live on my own can I get a discount? Yes, you can get 25% discount please call 0151 233 3035 for a form, make an appointment to visit one of our One Stop Shops by calling 0151 233 3016 or download a form at www.liverpool.gov.uk Why can't I pay over 12 monthly instalments? You can increase the number of instalments to the end of March if you change your payment method to direct debit. The extension to the end of March is available for one year only. In 2009/10 you will revert to the normal instalment plan of ten instalments April - January. I am a Pensioner - can I have a Discount? We do not offer a discount to someone who reaches pensionable age. Can I claim any benefit to help pay my Council Tax? Yes, Council Tax Benefit is available to individuals and couples who are on low incomes and have savings of less than £16,000. Different rules apply if you receive Savings Credit. Please call 0151 233 3016 and make an appointment to see an advisor at one of our One Stop Shops. For more information visit www.liverpool.gov.uk What happens if I do not pay my bill? If you miss a payment, we will start recovery action. Please see the enclosed information booklet for more information. It is important that you contact us as soon as possible. The longer you leave it the bigger the debt becomes and the harder it will be to make an acceptable arrangement to clear the debt. Remember that paying by direct debit ensures that your payments are received on time each month.
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I believe my band is wrong. Can I do anything about it? Yes, you can appeal to the Valuation Office. This procedure is relatively simple and free. Whilst they are resolving your appeal, you will need to pay the Council Tax based on your most recent bill. If the appeal is successful, those payments will be taken into account when your new bill is issued and a refund given if necessary. Further details on banding and appeals can be obtained on www.voa.gov.uk or by calling 0151 802 1000. I am a full-time student living in University owned accommodation - Will I have to pay Council Tax? No council tax will be payable. All University owned or managed Halls of Residence are exempt from council tax. University-owned flats and houses that are provided predominantly for students are also likely to be exempt. You should contact us for more details. I am a full-time student living in private rented shared house with other full time students - Will I have to pay Council Tax? You will not have to pay if you apply for and are granted a student exemption. To apply you will need to provide the City Council with a Council Tax Exemption Certificate and a copy of your tenancy agreement. Are there new rules about Housing Benefit from April? Yes Local Housing Allowance is a new way of deciding rent payments from April 2008 for people claiming Housing Benefit and who rent from private landlords (other than Housing Associations). Local Housing Allowance will only affect you if you live in a private rented accommodation and make a new claim for Housing Benefit, or move address, or have a break in your claim for more than one week on or after 7 April 2008. Further information is available on our website www.liverpool.gov.uk Housing Benefit is calculated using a flat rate allowance based on the size of your household and the age and relationship of the people in the household. The relevant Local Housing Allowance rate is the maximum amount of benefit you can receive.
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