Council tax?

Question

i need advice

i havent paid any council tax ever i dont have much money i am getting letters about summons which is making me feel very worried. i assume its about court appearance, what does this mean.

i only want to know whats the worst they can do?

can they threaten you with jail ONLY if you refuse to pay any council tax.

i will gladly pay up monthly but in no way can i pay the whole amount off its something like £2000 odd.

please advice?

Answer 1

If you've never paid it why start now?

There's not alot you can do if they refuse to accept monthly payments it will prob go to court where payment terms will be arranged with you. Don't worry about going to jail as jails are so overcrowded there not gonna put you in for council taxes. If you intend paying them, then best thing to do is try putting aside a bit each month so when it gets to court you'll have a 'down payment' sort of thing to put towards it, to start you reducing what you owe. People have been owe much more council tax than that in the past and there's very little councils can do.

Answer 2

Have you spoke to your local council Tax office, about your financial situation. If not then do so soon as they can help you.

I would also suggest a visit to the citizens advice bureau or law centre for further help and support.

Answer 3

OK this has happen to my boyfriend.

Prision at worse unless it goes to baliffs then they start taking your gear.

You need to go to this summons. I know it sound sary but this is your change. Go to CAB and get a living expenses form. detail how much you are on and what you can afford to let them have.

If all goes well, they have to accept cause your willing to pay.

Once this happens pay mouthly, weekly whatever and don't stop.

If you stop then they send to the baliffs, then have to offer again.

always make the offer in writing. Never ring them, your word against theirs and they want all the money. They have to reply.

If you refuse in writing go back to CAB.

Make payments now and don't stop. If you can prove and have a proven record of paying reliably then they have less change of saying your not willing to pay.

Answer 4

Go to court, tell the magistrate in person. They are a LOT more accomodating than the gorillas employed by the council.

Answer 5

how old are you if i may ask? i'm 19 and i don't know anything about council tax, i've had no letters explaining it to me so how are young people supposed to just know?

i do know that you can go to prison if you don't pay it. if i were you i would see if there is a contact number on the letter and ring them up to find out about paying.

Answer 6

you sound like youve known about it for ages, so you should have done something before you got threatened with court.

you need to ring them and explain, we cant really help you here!

also try to apply for council tax benefit in the future, if youre low income it could help.

Answer 7

If you don't pay your council tax you can go to prison.

Answer 8

See your local CAB - and yes, nonpayment of Council Tax is a prison-able offence.  They will also send Baliffs in.

Answer 9

after going to court, the court will send the bailiff to your house. they will gladly set up  a monthly payment plan, but you will have to pay some of the balance, like100-200 pounds there on the spot. but if you can't pay any, or miss a payment, they will come back and bailiff you! so its up to you to keep up the payments. i have been through this and have found the bailiffs to be very helpful and understanding. so don't assume the worst when they knock on your door.

Answer 10

being in a similar situation all i can suggest is make an appiontment with ur local housing officer and take along bank statements to show ur financial situtuation and agree to come to affordable repayments, u could also go to citizens advice and they can help u come to an agreement with them, if u show u are willing to make these repayments they may halt court proceedings, however if its to late for that then u will attended court and what will happen is the judge will work out what u can afford to repay and u must make these payments, if u fail to keep up with these payments then u will face prosecution

dont delay anymore and good luck

Answer 11

i think they can in force this to be paid up front.

You will have to go to court if you don' t pay.  You might be summonsed with a monthly payment but if you default then prison Will be the next step.

I would suggest you go to the CAB and see if they can advise you.