Council tax enforcement follows a set legal timeline. Knowing where you are on it shows you how much time you have, and what you can still do.
The short answer
- After a missed instalment, the council sends a reminder. You have 7 days to pay.
- If you don’t pay, the whole year’s bill can become due.
- A second missed instalment in the same year can lead to a final notice.
- The next step is a court summons with added costs.
- Contacting the council at any point can stop things escalating.
The council tax timeline
- Reminder notice: sent when an instalment is missed. Pay within 7 days to keep paying monthly.
- Loss of instalments: if you don’t catch up, the full balance for the year becomes due.
- Final notice: often sent after a second missed payment in the same year.
- Court summons: the council applies for a liability order, adding costs.
- Liability order: opens enforcement, such as bailiffs or deductions from wages or benefits.
What should I do if I get a reminder?
Pay the missed instalment if you can. If not, contact the council straight away and ask to spread the payments. Many councils will reinstate instalments or offer a longer plan. See council tax payment plans.
Could I pay less council tax?
Check for council tax support, discounts and exemptions, such as the 25% single person discount.
Common questions
How many council tax reminders do you get?
Usually up to two in a financial year. After a third missed instalment, the council can move straight to a summons.
Can I ask to pay council tax over 12 months?
Yes. You have the right to ask to pay over 12 months instead of 10.
Does a council tax reminder affect my credit score?
No. Council tax arrears and liability orders don’t appear on your credit file.
Getting help
You don’t have to deal with debt on your own. Free, impartial advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and National Debtline. If you want to talk through whether a formal solution such as an IVA could be suitable, you can also get in touch with us.