What happens if I miss a Council Tax payment?
Council Tax is a 'priority debt'. This means the consequences of not paying are more severe than for credit cards or loans. While you cannot go to prison for ordinary debt, you can be sent to prison for Council Tax evasion (though this is rare). The most common outcome is the use of bailiffs, which adds hundreds of pounds to your bill.
Related Situations: If you are also struggling with other bills, see our guides on energy debt or missing a rent payment.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Reminder Notice
You will receive a formal reminder letter. This is your warning shot. You must pay the missing instalment within 7 days to bring the account up to date. If you do, you can continue paying monthly.
Final Notice
If you haven't paid the reminder, or if you miss another payment in the same year, you lose the right to pay by instalments. The FULL year's tax becomes due immediately.
Court Summons
The council applies to the Magistrate's Court for a Liability Order. You will receive a summons with a court date. Costs of around £60-£100 are added to your debt immediately.
Liability Order Granted
You do not need to attend unless you have a valid legal defence (e.g., you are not the resident). The court grants the Liability Order, giving the council legal power to use bailiffs or deduct wages.
Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs)
If you ignore the Liability Order, the debt is passed to bailiffs. This automatically adds a £75 compliance fee. If they visit your home, an extra £235 enforcement fee is added.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
See how fees spiral out of control. Use this calculator to see exact statutory fees added at each stage.
The "Debt Spiral" Calculator
See how fast a small debt becomes a big one if ignored.
You just owe the tax. No extra fees yet.
If the council gets a Liability Order, they can take money directly from your wages. Use this tool to see exactly how much they can take.
Wage Deduction Checker
Calculate exactly how much the council can take from your wages (Attachment of Earnings).
Can you reduce your bill?
Billions in Council Tax discounts go unclaimed. Answer 3 questions to see if you can legally reduce your bill.
Discount Finder
Who lives in the property with you?
Bailiffs often lie about their powers. Use this interactive checklist to see if they can legally force entry into your home.
Bailiff Entry Checker
Have you ever let the bailiff inside your home before?
You may not be liable at all. Check if you have valid legal grounds to challenge the debt completely.
Liability Challenge Checker
Do you have valid legal grounds to potential wipe this debt?
Vulnerable groups have special protections. Check if you qualify as 'vulnerable' under the National Standards.
Vulnerability Check
Vulnerable people have extra protections under the "Taking Control of Goods: National Standards".
Check exactly where you are in the legal process. Enter your due date to see if you are in the 'Danger Zone'.
Timeline Danger Check
3 Take Action
Don't know what to write? Use our free template generator to create a legally professional repayment offer.
Council Tax Repayment Proposal
Generate a professional legal letter to stop enforcement.
Your Details
Can I go to prison for this?
In theory, yes. The maximum sentence is 3 months. However, this is extremely rare (fewer than 100 cases per year in the UK) and is reserved for 'culpable neglect' or 'wilful refusal'—basically, people who have the money but refuse to pay on principle. If you genuinely cannot pay, you will not go to prison.
Bailiff Rights: What they can and can't do
For Council Tax debt, bailiffs (Enforcement Agents) CANNOT force entry into your home unless they have previously been let in and made a 'Controlled Goods Agreement'. Keep your doors locked and windows closed. Talk to them through the letterbox or an upstairs window. If you let them in once, they can come back and force entry later.
Deductions from Wages or Benefits
If the council gets a Liability Order, they don't have to use bailiffs. They can apply for an 'Attachment of Earnings' order to take money directly from your salary before you get it. They can also take standard deductions from Universal Credit (£13.00+ per month).
Summary of Options
Contact the Council Immediately
This is the 'Golden Window'. If you call them after the Reminder but before the Summons, they will almost always let you set up a payment plan. Once the Summons is potentially issued, they may insist on costs.
The 'Signed For' Letter
If you cannot afford the full amount, send a formal letter offering what you CAN afford, along with a budget sheet. Send it via 'Signed For' delivery. It is difficult for them to refuse a reasonable offer in court if you have proof you made it.
Wait for Bailiffs
This is the most expensive option. You will end up paying £310+ in extra fees on top of the original tax. Do not do this.
Common Questions
I've received a summons, do I have to go to court?
No. Most people do not attend. Attending will not stop the Liability Order being granted unless you have a specific legal defence (e.g., the property was empty, or you are not the named person). Being 'unable to pay' is not a defence the court can consider.
Can they take my car?
Yes. If your car is parked on a public road or your driveway, bailiffs can clamp and remove it. Park it a 10-minute walk away on a public street (away from your home) to protect it.
Does Council Tax affect my credit score?
No. Council Tax arrears do not appear on your credit file, so they won't stop you getting a mortgage or credit card directly. However, if the council petitions for your bankruptcy, that will destroy your credit score.
Can I just pay the monthly amount after a Final Notice?
Legally, no. You have lost the right to instalments. The computer system automatically demands the full year. However, if you call them immediately, many councils will agree to reinstate a payment plan to stop it going to court.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in money & debt .
What happens if I can't pay my bills?
Not all debts are equal. Some 'Priority Debts' can make you homeless or lead to prison, while others just affect your credit rating. If you are in calm, you must pay the Priority Debts first.
What happens to debt when you die?
A guide to 'Insolvent Estates', inherited debt myths, and the Order of Payment.
What happens if I can't pay my Car Finance (PCP)?
How to use 'Voluntary Termination' to return your car, clear the debt, and avoid damage charges.