Council Tax - Your Questions Answered

Your ability to pay

I cant afford to pay, what should I do ?

If you are finding it difficult to pay your bill when it is due, please contact us on 01202 634216

I am on benefit, why have you sent me a bill ?

Please view our Council Tax Benefit pages.

Am I entitled to Council Tax Benefit / Other Benefit ?

Please view our Council Tax Benefit pages.

What are my payment options ?

These are shown on the reverse of the bill and include direct debit, credit/debit card, internet banking or payment through this website, payment at a bank or post office or at our cash office at the Civic Centre. 

Why is the bill split into 10 payments rather than 12 ?

Council Tax legislation allows for the customer to have the statutory right to pay by instalments over ten months.

Can I pay on a different date in the month rather than the first ?

In Poole, the due date for Council Tax instalment payments is the first of each month. Payments should be made by that date.

Can I pay weekly ?

We require the instalments to be paid by the due dates shown on the bill. Provided weekly payments are made in advance and the month's payment is received by the first of each month as shown on the bill that should be fine.

I have arrears from 2007 but can't afford to pay in full, can I spread the amount over the next ten months and pay it with my new instalments ?

Please call us on 01202 634216.  

General Queries about Council Tax

I have a new bill which shows an outstanding amount for last year. I have already paid this, why is it shown ?

The Council Tax system was closed on 22 February 2008 in order to recalculate the new amounts which will become due from 1 April. The new bills then had to be printed and were actually sent out on 10 March 2008. The brought forward balance shown on your bill was the amount outstanding as at 22 February 2008. This amount is NOT included in the instalment amounts shown for the new year. If you have paid this amount since 22 February, we can check your account to make sure we have received it. Please call us on 01202 634234

What can I do online ?

I have registered for an electronic bill, when will I get it ?

These will be emailed on 10th March.

I registered for an electronic bill but have a new email address. Can you send me a new one ?

Yes. Please email financialservices@poole.gov.uk with your details and new email address

Can I sign up for an electronic bill ?

It is too late to do so for 2008/9. Later in the year, we shall be making it easier for residents to manage their bills and payments on line.

How do I appeal against the valuation of my property ?

Please visit the Valuation Office Agency link will open in new window or phone 0845 6021507. You must continue to pay your existing Council Tax bill based on the current banding even if you are appealing against the valuation.

Why is the bill in my name when other adults live at this address ?

Liability for Council Tax is decided on a hierarchy basis of the right to occupy i.e. owner occupier, leaseholder, tenant etc. normally, those with an equal right to occupy, will be jointly liable for Council Tax however we only put up to two names on the bill.

I have a new bill but my partner has moved out, what do I need to do ?

We need details of the date your partner moved out and where they have moved to before we can amend your bill. You can either call us on 01202 634234 or complete an online form and email it to us. 

I have moved and already advised you, why have you sent the new bill to my old address ?

Depending on when you advised us of your move, it may have been too late to amend the new bill and stop it from being sent out. (After 22nd February 2008) If you have given us the details, we will be updating our records shortly and sending you a new bill as soon as possible. If you wish to check see whether your account has been amended call 01202 634234

Can I have a copy of my bill for last year ?

This will depend on whether there have been any adjustments throughout the year and if so, which bill is required. Please call us on 01202 634234 to investigate further.

I thought my exemption lasts for 6 months but my exempt notification ends 31 March 2008, Why has the exemption not carried forward ?

All exempt dwelling notifications are shown for the period to 31 March of the current financial year. Please refer to the notes on the back of the bill with regard to how long a particular exemption can last. If the exemption overlaps the change of financial years, a new exempt dwelling notification will be issued as part of our annual billing process. A new bill will only be issued when the exemption ends.



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