Council Tax
Reminders and court summons
If you are finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax it is important that you let us know as soon as possible. The longer you ignore a debt problem, the worse the situation will become.
Council Tax recovery
Council Tax payments are due in monthly instalments. If payments are not kept up, recovery action will start. Throughout the year if your Council Tax bill is not paid you will receive:
- 2 reminders
- 1 final notice
Once you have received a final reminder you need to contact us to make arrange arrangements to pay your bill.
If payments are still not made a summons will be issued and costs will be added to the account following a liability order through the magistrates court. If the total Council Tax outstanding, including the additional charge shown on the court summons, is paid before the court hearing date, then there will be no further action.
Reminder and final notice frequently asked questions
A reminder has been issued because our records show that you have missed one or more of your payments.
Make sure your instalments are paid by the date due or make future payments by Direct Debit.
If you have paid the amount on the reminder, within the past few days, it is possible that your payment will have crossed in the post. In this case, please ignore this notice and accept our apologies.
If you feel that you have made other payments, that are not accounted for on this notice, email Counciltax@eppingforestdc.gov.uk and attach your payment receipts.
Until your support is granted, you must pay the instalments given with your bill. If you receive benefit later, it will be taken away from the amount you owe. You will receive a new bill, or a refund if you have overpaid. Email benefits@eppingforestdc.gov.uk for further information.
You may be able to claim a discount or exemption.
Discounts
If you are eligible you may be able to get a discount on your Council Tax bill. If your application is successful we will revise your Council Tax bill and refund any overpaid amounts.
Exemptions
Your property may be exempt from Council Tax. For the time the property is exempt, no Council Tax is charged.
Council Tax Support
Council Tax Support (CTS) is provided to people on low incomes to help with their Council Tax bill.
Find out about Council Tax Support (CTS)
Advice
If you are suffering financial hardship you should seek debt advice from the Citizens Advice Epping Forest District.
Call 0808 278 7855
If you have made an appeal which has not yet been heard, you must continue to pay the current level of Council tax. If your appeal is successful, we will refund any monies overpaid. Contact the Listing officer about your appeal.