What Happens If You Don’t Pay Council Tax?

Missing Council Tax payments can lead to legal action. Learn about reminders, final notices, court summons, Liability Orders, and how to avoid enforcement.

Council Tax is a mandatory payment for households in the UK, funding local services like rubbish collection, policing, and road maintenance. If you miss payments, your council will take progressive legal action to recover the debt, which may include reminders, court orders, bailiffs, or even imprisonment in extreme cases.

This guide explains the consequences of missing Council Tax payments, how councils enforce payment, and how to avoid legal action.

What Happens If You Miss a Council Tax Payment?

If you miss a payment, your council will follow a legal recovery process:

  • First Reminder – Sent if you miss one instalment.

  • Final Notice – Issued if you miss another payment.

  • Court Summons – The council applies for a Liability Order.

  • Enforcement Action – Bailiffs, wage deductions, or court action.

The sooner you contact your council, the better your chances of avoiding serious legal consequences.

If You Don’t Pay Within 7 Days of the Reminder

  • After missing a payment, you receive a First Reminder Notice.

  • You must pay the overdue amount within 7 days.

  • If you pay within 7 days, you can continue paying your Council Tax in instalments.

  • If you don’t pay, your council will send a Final Notice.

If You Don’t Pay Within 7 Days of the Final Notice

If you ignore the first reminder and miss another payment:

  • You receive a Final Notice, demanding full payment for the rest of the tax year.

  • You lose the right to pay in instalments.

  • If you still don’t pay, your council applies to the Magistrates’ Court for a Liability Order.

At this stage, you must pay the full amount immediately or face court action.

If You Don’t Pay Off Your Council Tax Debt

If you fail to settle your outstanding Council Tax, your council can:

  • Apply for a Liability Order – A legal document allowing enforcement action.

  • Deduct money from wages or benefits.

  • Instruct bailiffs to collect the debt.

  • Freeze your bank account.

  • Apply for a prison sentence in extreme cases.

Court Summons for Unpaid Council Tax

If you ignore reminders and final notices, the council can apply for a court summons.

  • You will receive a Magistrates’ Court hearing date.

  • The court fees will be added to your debt.

  • If you attend court, you can explain your financial situation.

  • If you don’t attend, the court may grant a Liability Order in your absence.

Can I Stop a Court Summons?

  • Pay the full amount before the court hearing.

  • Set up a payment arrangement with the council.

  • Provide evidence if the bill is incorrect.

Ignoring a court summons can increase the legal costs added to your debt.

Attending Court for Council Tax Debt

You have the right to attend court to explain why you haven’t paid.

  • The council will ask the court for a Liability Order.

  • You can provide evidence that you cannot afford to pay.

  • The court will not send you to prison if you genuinely cannot pay.

However, if the court believes you deliberately refused to pay, they can take further enforcement action.

What is a Liability Order?

A Liability Order is a legal document allowing councils to take further enforcement action.

What a Liability Order allows councils to do:

  • Deduct money from wages or benefits.

  • Instruct bailiffs to recover the debt.

  • Freeze money in your bank account.

  • Apply for imprisonment if non-payment is wilful.

If you receive a Liability Order, you should contact your council immediately to arrange repayment options.

Ways to Avoid Legal Action for Council Tax Debt

  • Set up a payment plan – Most councils allow instalment arrangements.

  • Apply for a Council Tax Reduction – If you’re on a low income, you may qualify for discounts or exemptions.

  • Seek debt advice – Organisations like Citizens Advice and StepChange can help negotiate repayment plans.

  • Contact your council early – The sooner you discuss your situation, the more likely they are to agree to a solution.

Final Thoughts

  • Missing Council Tax payments leads to legal action, including court summons, bailiffs, and wage deductions.

  • A Liability Order gives councils the power to enforce debt collection.

  • You cannot be sent to prison unless the court finds you "wilfully refusing" to pay.

  • If struggling to pay, contact your council to arrange a repayment plan.

For more help, visit GOV.UK - Council Tax Debt Advice or contact Citizens Advice.