What is Council Tax and how much is it?

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Council Tax explained

Council Tax is a local tax set by local councils to help pay for local services. There is one Council Tax bill for each domestic dwelling, whether it is a house, flat, mobile home or houseboat, and whether it is owned or rented. The market value of the property for which the bill is issued forms the basis of the charge payable, as dwellings are placed in one of eight valuation bands. The less expensive the property, the lower the band, and therefore the lower the charge.

Certain reductions are available, namely discounts for single occupancy and unoccupied properties, reductions for the disabled, various classes of exempt property and disregarded individuals, and Council Tax Benefit for those on low income. Certain long term empty properties are subject to additional charges to encourage the owners to bring them back into use.

A bill is issued to the person or persons liable for payment, stating the instalments due and the method of payment, and providing further financial information about the charge due. In the event of payments being missed a reminder notice or final notice may be issued, and thereafter a summons notice may be issued.

In order to discuss the Council Tax payable, payment of your account, or the criteria for claiming discounts, exemptions or Council Tax Benefit you should contact the Council Tax Section at the Sleaford office, one of our Info Links offices or a Local Access Point.

Contacting us

Assistance from staff can be obtained by telephoning 01529 308266 and asking for the Council Tax Unit. You can also email counciltax@lincoln.gov.uk.

The Council Tax Unit is situated in the Council Offices in Kesteven Street, Sleaford. To the left-hand side of the entrance on Kesteven Street, off Eastgate, there is a Customer Service Reception where staff can help with any Housing Benefit or Council Tax query.

You may also obtain assistance from any of our other offices which are located throughout the District. Full details about each of these offices can be found by using the link below.

You can contact Revenues on Tel: 01529 308266.