There are a number of ways to pay business rates including online payments, direct debit, in person or by telephone. The Council may take legal action if payments are not made.

Online Payments
Payments can be made online by providing the details of your Business Rates account number and your Credit/Debit Card details. Please note, payments made by credit card will be subject to an additional charge, which equates to the card transaction charge levied on the Council by the operating banks. Pay your business rates online now. 

Direct Debit

• The payments are automatically taken from your bank account on the 28th of each month from May to February.
• If your instalments change, your monthly payments will change automatically.

To start paying by this method you can call Revenues Services on 01387 260130 or 260131. A member of staff will enter you details and set up the Direct Debit, you will then receive a confirmation letter. Alternatively, you can complete a Direct Debit mandate and return it to the address shown on your bill, not to your Bank/Building Society.

In Person

Payments can be made in person by visiting one of our Customer Service Centres.

Telephone Payments

• Payments can also be taken over the phone by credit/debit card. If telephoning please call 030 33 33 3000 Ext 65014/64085. You will need your Business Rates account number and your credit/debit card details to pay by this method.
• You can also use the Council's new automated phone system for payment of business rates. Telephone 0845 603 2025 select option 2, and then enter your 8 or 12 digit business rates account number.

Payments can be made at any time day or night. However to use this system you will need a touch-tone phone and a Credit or Debit card. You will be provided with a transaction number at the end of your call.

What if I don't pay
If you think you will have difficulty paying your rates, please contact us immediately. Unfortunately if you don't make payments by the due dates, the Council may take legal action against you.

Legal Action
The Council can take legal proceedings for recovery of the total amount due, after serving a notice requiring payment of that balance within 14 days. If this happens the Sheriff Officer will grant a Summary Warrant against you.

This means you will have to pay a 10% surcharge on the rates outstanding and a Sheriff Officer will recover the arrears by method of arrestment of wages, bank accounts, etc.

If you are having problems paying your rates please contact us.

Change of Circumstances or Moving in?
If you have taken over a new property and the name of the previous ratepayer is still shown on your bill, please contact us to tell us your name and the date you took over the property.

Moving out?
If you are a tenant in a rented property and are about to give up your tenancy, please contact us so we can sort out your bills.

Selling your property?
Please get your solicitor to contact us to inform of :

• The date of settlement
• The name of the buyer
• The address of the buyer
• The buyer's solicitor's name and address