Council Tax Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Answers to frequently asked questions about Council Tax.

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Is the band on my property correct?

The Valuation Office Agency of the Inland Revenue puts each home in one of eight valuation bands based on how much it would have cost on the open market on 1st April 1991. You can appeal against your band by contacting the Valuation Office Agency on 01473 587800. You can view all property bands at http://www.voa.gov.uk/

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How do I pay this bill?

There are a number of ways to pay Council Tax, to see the full range go to our paying your bill web page.

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Please can I have payment slips?

We no longer issue payment slips. If you are sending a cheque all you need to do is write your account number or numbers, the amount to be allocated (if you have more than one account) and your address on the back of the cheque. For those of you that use the slips as a reminder, there is a box on the bill that you can tick as you make each payment.

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Can I pay this by Direct Debit?

Yes. You can pay by Direct Debit on any of the following dates 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd or 28th. All you need to do is contact us on 01473 825798 and we will take your bank details and set up the Direct Debit over the phone. Alternatively, download and fill in a direct debit form (PDF, 80Kb)

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If I have a Direct Debit already set up to pay my council tax do I need to change it when I receive the following year's bill?

No. The Direct Debit that you have already set up will continue, although at the new amount. These amounts are shown on your bill.

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I don’t have abank account, how do I pay?

Details of how you can pay are shown on the back of the bill. To view the payment methods that Babergh offers paying your bill web page

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Will I receive a receipt when I make a payment?

No, if you send a cheque, your receipt will be your bank statement. If you pay over the website or via the telephone you will be given a transaction number, also as with cheque payments your bank statement will be proof of payment.

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Why are payments due over 10 months?

Instalments are issued in line with the statutory instalment scheme set out in the Council Tax regulations. This states that 10 instalments must be issued. If you are having difficulties making a payment please contact us on 01473 825798.

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This bill is too much?

Have you checked your bill to see that you are paying the correct amount? Depending on your circumstances you could be entitled to a discount, exemption or Council Tax benefit.

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Can credits brought forward be refunded?

Yes, however the new instalments have been calculated taking into account the credit. If we refund the credit your instalments will increase.

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This is no longer my property I should not have this bill?

Our target is to complete all work within 10 days of receipt. If you have already informed us of your move you will receive a revised bill shortly. If you have not informed us either go to our Moving House web page to notify us online or contact us on 01473 825798.

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What do I get for my money?

The amount you are paying goes towards the services provided by Babergh District Council, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Police Authority and your Parish or Town Council. The amount for each authority is shown on your bill.

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Further information

If you would like any further information or have any questions that have not be answered here please contact us.

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If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us. About our translation services.

Last updated on: 26 September 2008 | Date of next review: 26 September 2009

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