Council Tax Paying by Direct Debit FAQs

You will find some frequently asked questions below, regarding paying Council Tax by Direct Debit.

What is Direct Debit?
Can Direct Debits be paid from any account?
How do I set up a Direct Debit?
How will my bank know it's really me authorising a Direct Debit Instruction if it hasn't checked my signature?
If I set up a Direct Debit over the telephone or via the internet what record will I have of the agreement?
How do I get back any money paid by Direct Debit in error?
How do I cancel a Direct Debit?

What is Direct Debit?
Direct Debit is a simple, safe and convenient way to manage your household bills or make regular or occasional payments from your bank account. You agree the amount to be collected and the date of payment with ourselves. Payment by Direct Debit is only available for the current financial year.

From then on, the amount will be deducted from your account as agreed. If we need to change the amount or collection date, we will notify you in advance.

The bank or building society that holds your account is responsible for all aspects of the running of that account. They are therefore answerable for all payments, including those made by Direct Debit

Normally payments will be made monthly, on the same date according to the payment date that has been agreed. You can choose which date you would prefer to pay for Council Tax (on either 1st, 10th, 18th or 25th of each month). If any payment due date falls at a weekend or on a bank holiday, we are obliged to debit your account just after that due date unless we notify you in advance of a change of date.

If either the amount you owe, the frequency or the payment date changes, we have to notify you in advance (normally 10 working days) of your account being debited. This gives you time to get in touch with us, if necessary.

If you have a query about your Direct Debit, speak to your bank or building society.

Can Direct Debits be paid from any account?
Most current accounts at banks and building societies can be used to make Direct Debit payments. Some special deposit accounts also allow them - just ask at your branch before setting up a Direct Debit with us.

How do I set up a Direct Debit?

  • The quickest method is to set up a Direct Debit online or you can set up a Direct Debit over the telephone by calling 01382 431205.

We will then forward your instructions onto your bank authorising them to allow payments to be collected from your account to us.

You will require the following information:

  • your name and address
  • the name and address of your bank or building society
  • your bank or building society account number
  • the branch sort code of your bank or building society
  • the name(s) on the account

When your Direct Debit is set up there is nothing you need to do, other than making sure you have sufficient funds in your account when the payment is due. To assist with this we will give you advance notice of the collection dates and amounts, whether you set up a Direct Debit by the telephone, internet or by completing a paper Instruction. It is a good idea to check your bank statement regularly to ensure that all your Direct Debits are going out as shown on your advance notice.

If you choose to complete a Direct Debit mandate, either hand it in to one of our enquiry offices or post it to:- Executive Director of Corporate Services, Customer Services and IT, Council Tax, 50 North Lindsay Street, Dundee, DD1 3YJ.

How will my bank know it's really me authorising a Direct Debit Instruction if it hasn't checked my signature?
We are responsible for checking all the information contained on your Direct Debit Instruction and satisfying ourselves that we have sufficient identification.

If your bank has any reason to doubt the authenticity they may request a copy of the agreement.

If I set up a Direct Debit over the telephone or via the internet what record will I have of the agreement?
You will be sent written confirmation of your Direct Debit Instruction within three working days of the telephone call or online sign up, or alternatively no fewer than 10 working days before the first collection.

Simply check the details and contact us if you have a query. Regardless of what method of sign up you agree to, you are still fully covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee.

How do I get back any money paid by Direct Debit in error?
If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Dundee City Council, or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid - If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Dundee City Council asks you to.

How do I cancel a Direct Debit?
If you need to cancel a Direct Debit, you should contact your bank or building society.  It is also a good idea to tell us as well. Your bank or building society can make the cancellation up to and including the due date, but try not to leave it until the last minute or you run the risk of a payment being made.

You will need to provide the following information:

  • your customer reference number (e.g. Council Tax account number)
  • your bank or building society account number
  • the name(s) on the account
  • the branch sort code

Remember that cancelling the Direct Debit simply stops paying the Council, it will then be up to you to organise an alternative payment method.

Money cannot be collected after you have cancelled a Direct Debit Instruction. You would have to ask your bank or building society to contact the Council and reinstate a cancelled Instruction.