Pay by direct debit
The great majority of people in Cornwall pay their tax on time. If you prefer never having to worry about making or missing payments, you can join 205,000 (78%) others and pay automatically by direct debit.
All the normal Direct Debit safeguards and guarantees apply when you set up an instruction online. No changes in the amount, date or frequency of a payment can be made without notifying you at least 10 working days in advance of your account being debited. In the event of any error, you are entitled to an immediate refund from your Bank or Building Society. You have the right to cancel a Direct Debit Instruction at any time simply by writing to your Bank or Building Society, and sending a copy of the letter to us.
Amend a direct debit
You can change your existing direct debit details by using the pay by direct debit form. Just complete it with your new details, and we will make all the changes for you.
Setup a direct debit for someone else
You can also set up a direct debit for someone else. You just need the council tax reference number for the account you wish to pay.
Due to essential maintenance Council tax and benefit forms will be unavailable from 09:00 - 16:00 on Sat 20th April. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Pay online
You need your debit or credit card and your council tax account number.
Paying online each month keeps your costs down, but it means you have to remember when to pay your next instalment. Why not pay by direct debit instead?
Please note, once you have received your confirmation that your bank account has been debited, it will take up to two working days for your payment to be allocated towards your council tax account.
By phone
Call us on 0300 1234 200 (24 hours). You need your debit or credit card and your council tax account number.
Sign up for text message reminders
Once you’ve signed up we will send you a text message if you miss a Council tax payment reminding you to pay, or to get in touch with us if you are unable to make payment.
To sign up please complete our contact form including your:
- Name
- Address
- Mobile phone number
- Account reference number
Request text message reminders
Paypoint
You need to take your bill or letter with you to make a payment at a shop displaying the Paypoint logo or a Post Office.
All stores accept card or cash payments, while most Post Offices still accept cheque payments.
There are over 300 PayPoint/Post Office stores throughout Cornwall: most have extended opening hours and some are 7 days per week.
To find a location to pay, close to you, visit our My Area page which allows you to view Council services in your local area.
By post
Please make your cheque payable to 'Cornwall Council' and write your account reference number on the back. You can find your account reference number on your bill. Post your cheque to PO Box 676, Truro, TR1 9EQ.
You will need a stamp and if you would like a receipt, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope. We are sorry but we cannot accept post-dated cheques or cash sent in the post. If you use cheques to pay us by instalments, we must receive them by the 1st of every month.
Self Service
Our Council Tax Self Service system is a great way to keep on top of your council tax account.
You can use Council Tax Self Service to:
- Set up a Direct Debit or make a payment
- Tell us about a change of address
- Get notifications of new bills by email (e-billing)
- See when your payments are due
- Check your Council Tax account
- See how your charges are worked out
- Check if you can get any money off your bill
Please follow this link for more information about Signing up to manage your council tax online.
