Richmond Council Tax Bands, Pay Online, Reductions, Direct Debit & Contact
A practical Richmond upon Thames Council Tax guide for residents who need to pay online or by phone, check 2026/27 bands and charges, set up Direct Debit, check account balance, apply for discounts, claim Council Tax Reduction, spread instalments, request a refund or contact the Council Tax team.
🔒 Official Richmond Council Tax Resources
Richmond Council Tax Guide for Bands, Pay Online, Reductions and Contact Help
Richmond upon Thames Council Tax is made up of two main charges: the Richmond Council charge, including Adult Social Care, and the Greater London Authority charge. Your final bill depends on your property band, payment plan, discounts, reductions, exemptions, arrears, credits and any account changes.
Most residents search for Richmond Council Tax because they need to pay a bill, check a band, make a telephone payment, set up Direct Debit, claim a discount, apply for Council Tax Reduction, spread instalments over 12 months or contact the Council Tax team before reminders or legal costs start.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and cannot access your account. For payments, account decisions, band appeals, discounts, reductions and legal notices, always use Richmond Council or GOV.UK.
Pay safely
Use official Richmond payment routes only: online payment, telephone payment, Direct Debit, bank transfer, Post Office or PayPoint.
Check band and charge
Richmond 2026/27 Band D total is £2,486.10, with band charges running from A to H.
Reduce your bill if eligible
Check Single Person Discount, students, disabled band reduction, SMI, exemptions, CTR and Second Adult Rebate.
Richmond Council Tax Pay Online, Telephone Payment, Direct Debit, Bank Transfer, Post Office and PayPoint
Richmond says bills are issued every March or when you become liable for a property. There are several ways to pay, but you should always keep your Council Tax account reference ready so the payment is matched correctly.
1
Open Richmond’s official payment page
Start from richmond.gov.uk before entering payment details.
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Go to Richmond Council’s official “Pay your Council Tax” page. It includes online payment, Direct Debit, telephone payment, bank transfer, Post Office, PayPoint, postal payment and special payment arrangement information.
Official payment page: Pay your Council Tax
2
Use your Council Tax account reference
This is needed for online, phone and bank payments.
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Richmond says online payment needs your Council Tax account reference, amount to pay and credit or debit card. Bank transfer also needs the account reference in the bank reference field.
3
Use Direct Debit if you want automatic instalments
Choose the 1st or 18th of the month.
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Richmond says Direct Debit customers can choose to pay on either the 1st or 18th of the month. To set it up, you need bank details and your Council Tax account reference.
If you already have a Council Tax account, you can submit the official Direct Debit form. If you are not registered yet, set up your Council Tax account first.
4
Call the automated payment line if paying by phone
Available 24 hours a day.
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Richmond lists the dedicated telephone payment line as 020 8045 1171. It is an automated line available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You need your Council Tax reference and card.
| Payment Method | Official Detail | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online card payment | Secure online payment available 24/7. | Use your Council Tax account reference exactly. |
| Telephone payment | 020 8045 1171 automated line. | Have your bill and card ready before calling. |
| Direct Debit | Choose 1st or 18th of the month. | Best for avoiding missed instalments. |
| Bank transfer | Account number 63459493, sort code 60-22-03. | Put your Council Tax reference in the bank reference field. |
| Post Office / PayPoint | Use barcode on your bill. | Take your bill and keep the receipt. |
| 12 monthly instalments | You can apply to spread the balance to March. | Ask early if 10 instalments feel too high. |
Richmond Council Tax Account, Check Balance Online, Richmond Account, E-Billing and My Richmond App
Richmond says you can check your Council Tax balance online if you have a Richmond Account. The council also promotes the My Richmond App to quickly and easily view and manage your linked Council Tax account.
What you can check
Use your Richmond Account to check your Council Tax balance, review your payment position and manage account-related actions where available.
Why it helps
Before paying again or calling, check whether the balance changed, a payment arrived, or a refund/discount issue is visible.
1
Open Richmond’s Council Tax hub
Use the official page as your starting point.
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Start from Richmond’s Council Tax hub. It links to pay, bands, moving-home updates, discounts, struggling-to-pay help, non-payment guidance, e-billing and contact routes.
Official Council Tax hub: Richmond Council Tax
2
Check your balance before contacting the council
Useful for payment and refund queries.
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If you think you paid twice, missed a payment or are due a refund, check your balance first. Richmond’s payment page links to online balance checking through Richmond Account.
3
Use e-billing if postal letters are easy to miss
Better for keeping bills and notices organised.
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Richmond’s Council Tax hub links to e-billing. This is helpful if you want bills and account notices easier to find, especially when applying for discounts or checking instalments.
Richmond Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and Valuation Office Rules
Richmond says Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency, not by the council. Every home is placed in one of eight bands, A to H, based on what the property might have sold for in April 1991.
Find your band
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker with your postcode or address.
Compare charge
Use Richmond’s 2026/27 table to see the Richmond Council, GLA and total charge.
Challenge carefully
Band appeals are handled by the VOA. Continue paying while the appeal is being decided.
| Band | 1991 Property Value Range | Best Check |
|---|---|---|
| Band A | Up to £40,000 | Check GOV.UK band and bill. |
| Band B | £40,001 to £52,000 | Compare with Richmond charge table. |
| Band C | £52,001 to £68,000 | Check discounts before paying full amount. |
| Band D | £68,001 to £88,000 | Standard comparison band. |
| Band E | £88,001 to £120,000 | Review full bill and support. |
| Band F | £120,001 to £160,000 | Check account balance. |
| Band G | £160,001 to £320,000 | Review arrears or credits. |
| Band H | More than £320,000 | Review complete bill carefully. |
Official band checker: Check your Council Tax band on GOV.UK
Official Richmond charges: Council Tax bands and charges
Richmond Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Band, Richmond Council Element and GLA Charge
Richmond’s 2026/27 Council Tax bill is made up of the Richmond Council charge and the Greater London Authority charge. The council says the total 2026/27 Council Tax has gone up by 4.8% after Richmond’s increase and the GLA increase are combined.
| Band | Richmond Council | Greater London Authority | Total Council Tax 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band A | £1,317.06 | £340.34 | £1,657.40 |
| Band B | £1,536.57 | £397.06 | £1,933.63 |
| Band C | £1,756.08 | £453.79 | £2,209.87 |
| Band D | £1,975.59 | £510.51 | £2,486.10 |
| Band E | £2,414.61 | £623.96 | £3,038.57 |
| Band F | £2,853.63 | £737.40 | £3,591.03 |
| Band G | £3,292.64 | £850.85 | £4,143.49 |
| Band H | £3,951.17 | £1,021.02 | £4,972.19 |
Why your bill may be different
Your final amount can change due to Single Person Discount, Council Tax Reduction, student exemption, disabled band reduction, arrears, credit, refund or moving dates.
How to compare correctly
Use the band from GOV.UK, match it with Richmond’s table, then compare the total with your latest bill and any reductions shown.
Richmond Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions, Single Person Discount, Disabled Band Reduction and Students
Richmond says depending on your circumstances, you might be able to get a Council Tax discount, exemption or means-tested reduction. You must apply for any discount, exemption or reduction because it is not received automatically.
Single person discount
If you are the only adult in your household, you may qualify for a 25% Council Tax discount.
Disabled band reduction
If your property has significant alterations for a disabled resident, your bill may reduce to the next lowest band.
Students and exemptions
Full-time students may be exempt or receive a discount, and some unoccupied or special-status homes may be exempt.
1
Open Richmond’s discounts and reductions page
Choose the right discount or exemption type.
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Start with Richmond’s official discounts, exemptions and reductions page. It covers single persons, students, disabled people, severely mentally impaired people, other discounts, exemptions and means-tested Council Tax Reduction.
Official page: Council Tax discounts, exemptions and reductions
2
Apply for Single Person Discount only if it truly fits
Wrong discounts can lead to a backdated bill.
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Richmond says a full Council Tax bill is based on at least two adults living in a property. If you are the only adult in your household, you may qualify for a 25% discount, but you must apply.
Official Single Person Discount page: Apply for a single person discount
3
Check exemptions and disregarded people carefully
Some adults are not counted for Council Tax.
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Richmond says disregarded people may include apprentices, diplomats and some carers. Some unoccupied properties and properties occupied only by certain people may also be exempt.
Richmond Council Tax Reduction, Low Income Help, Second Adult Rebate and Supporting Documents
Richmond says if you are on a low income, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction. The amount depends on your Council Tax, the number of people in your household, household income, savings and circumstances.
Who should check CTR
Check if you are on a low income, working, unemployed, disabled, single, married, retired, claiming benefits or your income has recently dropped.
What to prepare
Keep your Council Tax account reference, income proof, savings details, household details, benefit details and identity evidence ready.
1
Open the official Council Tax Reduction page
Use Richmond’s claim and eligibility route.
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Richmond’s Council Tax Reduction page links to eligibility, making a claim, reporting a change of circumstances, appeal decisions, supporting documents and Second Adult Rebate.
Official CTR page: Council Tax Reduction
2
Check eligibility before arrears grow
CTR can reduce how much Council Tax you pay.
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Richmond says working-age residents must generally be responsible for Council Tax at the address and have less than £16,000 in savings to qualify, though exceptions can apply.
3
Report changes quickly
Income and household changes can affect your reduction.
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If your income, savings, household, benefits, rent or address changes, report it through the official Richmond route so your award is not wrong or delayed.
Richmond Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed reductions, refund delays, band appeal confusion and unnecessary recovery costs.
Use the account reference every time
Richmond asks for your Council Tax account reference for online, phone and bank payments. A wrong reference can delay matching.
Direct Debit has two date choices
You can choose the 1st or 18th of the month. Pick the date that fits your salary or pension cycle.
Ask for 12 months early
Normal instalments run April to January. If monthly payments feel high, ask to spread the balance until March.
Keep paying during band appeals
Richmond says you still need to pay at the current band rate while your appeal is being decided.
Use official refund forms only
If you think Richmond owes you money, use the official refund form. Do not trust random refund messages.
Contact before legal costs
Richmond says if you do not contact or pay, reminders and legal proceedings can add extra costs to your bill.
Richmond Council Tax Moving Home, Change Address, New Liability and Final Bill
If you move into Richmond, move out of Richmond, move within the borough or your tenancy/ownership changes, tell the council quickly so the correct person is billed from the correct date.
| Situation | What to Tell Richmond | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Richmond | New address, move-in date, occupiers and tenancy or ownership details. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out of Richmond | Leaving date, forwarding address and final bill details. | Helps stop billing after you leave. |
| Moving within Richmond | Old and new addresses with exact dates. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Adult household change | Date another adult moved in or out. | May affect Single Person Discount. |
| Property status changed | Empty home, second home, student home or exempt-property change. | Can affect premiums, exemptions or discounts. |
Official moving page: Tell us you’re moving
Richmond Council Tax Arrears, 12-Month Instalments, Special Payment Arrangement and Liability Order Help
If you are struggling to pay Richmond Council Tax, do not wait for reminders or legal action. Richmond says residents should contact the council as soon as they get into difficulties.
1
Contact Richmond before recovery escalates
Use phone, email or online enquiry.
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Richmond’s struggling-to-pay page says not to wait for the council to contact you. Use 020 8891 1411, counciltax@richmond.gov.uk or the online enquiry route.
Official help page: If you’re struggling to pay Council Tax
2
Ask to spread instalments until March
This can reduce monthly pressure.
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If you currently pay over 10 months, Richmond says you can increase this to 12 months from April to March. If you ask later in the year, instalments can still be extended until March.
3
Use special payment arrangement if summons or liability order applies
For serious arrears stage only.
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If you have received a summons but cannot pay in full, or a liability order has been issued, Richmond has an online special payment arrangement form. The form calculates an estimated instalment plan, and the council sends full details after setting up instalments.
Richmond Council Tax Contact Number, Email, Payment Line, Postal Address and Opening Hours
Use the correct Richmond contact route depending on your issue. Keep your Council Tax account reference, property address, full name, payment date, bill amount and any notice details ready before calling or emailing.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax contact number | Bills, arrears, reductions, account questions and general support. | 020 8891 1411 |
| Telephone payment line | Automated card payment. | 020 8045 1171 Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. |
| Council Tax account enquiries. | counciltax@richmond.gov.uk | |
| Postal address | Written Council Tax correspondence. | London Borough of Richmond upon Thames Council Tax Service, PO Box 72388, London, SW18 9PL. |
| Civic Centre proofs | Document scanning where needed. | Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ. Proof scanning ticket queue: 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. |
| Opening hours | Calling or visiting at the right time. | Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. |
Richmond Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Richmond Council Tax bands, pay online, reductions, Direct Debit, telephone payment, Council Tax Reduction, contact number and arrears help.
How do I pay Richmond Council Tax online?▾
Use Richmond’s official Pay your Council Tax page and choose the secure online payment link. You need your Council Tax account reference, amount to pay and credit or debit card.
What is the Richmond Council Tax telephone payment number?▾
Richmond lists 020 8045 1171 as the dedicated automated telephone payment line. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is the Richmond Council Tax contact number?▾
Richmond Council Tax contact number is 020 8891 1411. The council lists general opening hours as Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What are Richmond Council Tax charges for 2026/27?▾
For 2026/27, Richmond lists total Council Tax charges as Band A £1,657.40, Band D £2,486.10 and Band H £4,972.19.
How do I check my Richmond Council Tax band?▾
Use the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker. Richmond says Council Tax bands are set by the Valuation Office Agency, not by the council.
Can I get Richmond Council Tax Single Person Discount?▾
Yes, if you are the only adult in your household, you may qualify for a 25% discount. Richmond says you must apply because the discount is not given automatically.
Can I claim Richmond Council Tax Reduction?▾
Yes, if you are on a low income, you may qualify. The amount depends on your Council Tax, household size, income, savings and circumstances.
Can I spread Richmond Council Tax over 12 months?▾
Yes. Richmond says normal payments are over 10 months between April and January, but you can apply to spread the balance over 12 monthly instalments until March.
What Direct Debit dates are available for Richmond Council Tax?▾
Richmond says Direct Debit customers can choose to pay on either the 1st or 18th of the month.
What should I do if I cannot pay Richmond Council Tax?▾
Contact Richmond as soon as possible on 020 8891 1411 or counciltax@richmond.gov.uk. The council may change instalments, check discounts or exemptions and signpost support.
What bank details are used for Richmond Council Tax bank transfer?▾
Richmond lists account number 63459493 and sort code 60-22-03 for Council Tax bank transfer. Always quote your Council Tax account reference in the payment reference field.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Richmond Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Richmond Council and GOV.UK pages for payments, applications, account updates and legal decisions.