Highland Council Tax Pay Online, Bands, Discounts, Scottish Water Charges & Online Account
A practical Highland Council Tax guide for residents who need to pay online, set up Direct Debit, check 2026/27 bands and Scottish Water charges, apply for Single Occupancy Discount, claim Council Tax Reduction, register a new address, report changes or contact the Operations team.
🔒 Official Highland Council Tax Resources
Highland Council Tax Guide for Pay Online, Bands, Discounts and Online Account
Highland Council Tax is the local property charge used to help fund services across the Highland area. In Scotland, your bill also normally includes Scottish Water and waste-water charges, so the total on your bill can be higher than the Council Tax amount alone.
Most Highland residents search for Council Tax help because they want to pay online, set up Direct Debit, find the payment phone number, check the 2026/27 band table, understand water charges, apply for Single Occupancy Discount, claim Council Tax Reduction or report moving home.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not The Highland Council and cannot access your account. For payments, reductions, discounts, evidence uploads, account changes and legal decisions, always use Highland Council, Scottish Assessors, GOV.UK or mygov.scot official pages.
Pay or manage your bill
Use Highland’s official payment page, Direct Debit route, mygovscot myaccount forms and change-of-circumstances services.
Check Council Tax plus water
Highland publishes Council Tax, water, waste-water, total water services and final total for each band.
Get help if eligible
Check Single Occupancy Discount, Council Tax Reduction, Disabled Band Reduction, exemptions and welfare support before arrears grow.
Highland Council Tax Pay Online, Direct Debit, Phone Payment, Bank Transfer, Cash and Cheque
Highland Council gives several official ways to pay Council Tax. Direct Debit is usually the easiest because payments are taken automatically and Highland updates your Direct Debit with the correct amount each April.
1
Open Highland’s official payment page
Start from highland.gov.uk before entering payment details.
▾
Use Highland Council’s official Pay online page or Pay your Council Tax section. Do not start from advert links, messages, unknown bank details or unofficial payment pages.
Official payment page: Pay online
2
Use your Council Tax payment reference or account number
This connects your payment to the right bill.
▾
Highland says you need your Council Tax payment reference or account number from your bill, especially for Direct Debit and bank payments. Copy it carefully so the payment is not delayed or misallocated.
If you pay by bank transfer, quote your Council Tax reference number with all payments and make one-off transfers five working days before the deadline.
3
Set up Direct Debit for flexible instalments
Highland offers weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly and yearly options.
▾
Highland offers weekly Friday payments, fortnightly Friday payments, 12 monthly payments, 10-payment patterns, quarterly payments in April, July, October and January, or one annual payment. Monthly payments can be taken on the 1st, 15th or 28th.
Official Direct Debit page: Pay by Direct Debit
4
Use phone payment if you prefer card payment
Highland’s automated line is available 24 hours.
▾
Highland lists 01349 886605 as the automated phone payment line, available 24 hours a day. Keep your payment card and Council Tax reference ready before calling.
| Payment Method | Official Route | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Highland Direct Debit page. | Best for flexible automatic payments. |
| Online card payment | Highland Pay online page. | Use your Council Tax reference from the bill. |
| Phone payment | 01349 886605. | Have your card and bill ready before calling. |
| Bank transfer | Highland bank-transfer instructions. | Quote your reference and allow 5 working days. |
| Cash or cheque | Highland cash/cheque guidance. | Keep receipt or proof until account updates. |
Highland Council Tax Online Account, mygovscot myaccount, Register Address and Report Changes
Highland’s online services use mygovscot myaccount for some forms. You can register or sign in, save progress on larger forms and use online change-of-circumstances services for Council Tax updates.
Register or report a change
Use the Change of Circumstances form to register a new address, report moving home, report someone moving in or out, and upload documents.
Upload evidence online
Highland lets you upload photos or scans of evidence when documents are needed for Council Tax or reduction decisions.
1
Open Highland’s register or report a change page
Use it for moving home and new Council Tax registration.
▾
Highland says the Change of Circumstances online form can register a new address for Council Tax, report moving house, report someone moving in or out, or report a child turning 18 or leaving education.
Official page: Register or report a change for Council Tax
2
Prepare evidence before starting the form
This avoids incomplete applications.
▾
You may need proof of identity, payslips, earnings statements, self-employment income proof, bank statements, benefit award letters or tenancy documents. Photograph or scan documents clearly before uploading.
3
Use mygovscot myaccount if you want saved progress
Useful for longer forms and future services.
▾
With mygovscot myaccount, Highland forms can automatically populate some details and may let you save progress on larger forms. You can also continue without an account where the form allows it.
Official change form: Change of circumstances
Highland Council Tax Bands A to H, Disabled Band Reduction and Scottish Band Check Help
Highland Council Tax bands run from A to H. The band affects the Council Tax charge, but the final bill also includes Scottish Water and waste-water charges, so check the full Highland table before budgeting.
Check the band
Use official Scottish Assessors, GOV.UK or mygov.scot band guidance to check the property band.
Check water charges
Highland’s table includes Council Tax, water, waste-water and total water services separately.
Check Disabled Band Reduction
If a disabled person lives in the home and the property meets rules, a Disabled Band Reduction may apply.
1
Check your property band first
Do not rely only on house prices or old paperwork.
▾
Your Council Tax band is separate from the amount Highland charges for that band. Check the band first, then open Highland’s official yearly charges page.
Official band guidance: Council Tax guidance on mygov.scot
2
Compare with Highland’s 2026/27 table
Use the total, not only the Council Tax line.
▾
Highland’s table shows Council Tax, water, waste-water, total water services, total for two or more adults and single occupier 25% discount figures. This makes it easier to understand why the final bill is higher than the Council Tax-only amount.
Official charges page: 2026 to 2027 Council Tax and Scottish Water Charges
Highland Council Tax and Scottish Water Charges 2026/27 by Band
Highland publishes 2026/27 Council Tax and Scottish Water charges by band. The “total for two or more adults” is the full yearly total before any single occupier discount or other reduction.
| Band | Council Tax | Total Water Services | Total for Two or More Adults | Single Occupier Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disabled Band Reduction | £907.77 | £362.40 | £1,270.17 | £952.63 |
| Band A | £1,089.33 | £434.88 | £1,524.21 | £1,143.15 |
| Band B | £1,270.88 | £507.36 | £1,778.24 | £1,333.68 |
| Band C | £1,452.44 | £579.84 | £2,032.28 | £1,524.21 |
| Band D | £1,633.99 | £652.32 | £2,286.31 | £1,714.73 |
| Band E | £2,146.88 | £797.28 | £2,944.16 | £2,208.12 |
| Band F | £2,655.23 | £942.24 | £3,597.47 | £2,698.10 |
| Band G | £3,199.90 | £1,087.20 | £4,287.10 | £3,215.32 |
| Band H | £4,003.28 | £1,304.64 | £5,307.92 | £3,980.93 |
Why your bill may look higher than expected
The Highland bill includes Scottish Water and waste-water charges. Always compare the “total for two or more adults” or “single occupier” figure, not just the Council Tax line.
Second homes and long-term empty homes
From 1 April 2026, Highland says the second-home charge is 300% for the 2026/2027 Council Tax year. Check the official page before budgeting for a second home.
Official second-home page: Council Tax: second homes and long-term empty homes
Highland Council Tax Discounts, Single Occupancy Discount, Disabled Band Reduction and Exemptions
Highland has official routes for Council Tax discounts, reductions and exemptions. These include Single Occupancy Discount, Council Tax Reduction, Disabled Band Reduction, discounts for people, property-related discounts and second-home/empty-property rules.
Single Occupancy Discount
If you are the only adult aged 18 or over living in your home, you may be eligible for a discount on your sole or main residence.
Council Tax Reduction
If your income is low, the Apply Once form can check Council Tax Reduction and several other support types in one go.
Disabled Band Reduction
If the home has adaptations or space needed because of disability, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Band Reduction.
1
Open Highland’s discounts, reductions and exemptions hub
Choose the correct discount before applying.
▾
Start with Highland’s official discounts hub. It links to Council Tax Reduction, Single Occupancy Discount, Disabled Band Reduction, discounts for people, discounts for properties and the Better Off Calculator.
Official page: Discounts, reductions and exemptions
2
Apply for Single Occupancy Discount only if it truly fits
Household changes can affect eligibility.
▾
If someone moves in, turns 18, leaves education or your household changes, tell Highland because your discount may no longer be correct. Keeping a wrong discount can lead to a backdated bill.
Official people discounts page: Council Tax discounts and exemptions for people
3
Check second-home and empty-property rules carefully
The rules changed strongly from April 2026.
▾
Highland says a second home is not used as a person’s main residence and must be furnished and lived in for at least 25 days within the last 12 months. From 1 April 2026, the second-home charge is 300% for the 2026/27 year.
Highland Council Tax Reduction, Apply Once Form, Better Off Calculator and Welfare Support
Council Tax Reduction can reduce your Council Tax bill if your income is low or your circumstances qualify. Highland’s Apply Once form checks eligibility for several types of support in one application.
Who should check support
Check if you are on low income, unemployed, receiving benefits, working with reduced income, retired, disabled, caring for someone or facing money pressure.
What evidence may be needed
Highland may ask for payslips, benefit letters, bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and other supporting evidence.
1
Open Highland’s Council Tax Reduction page
Do this before arrears become difficult.
▾
Use Highland’s Council Tax Reduction page and Apply Once form to check eligibility. The form can check Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit, Second Adult Rebate, discounts and exemptions, Disabled Band Reduction and other support.
Official page: Apply for Council Tax Reduction
2
Upload evidence clearly
Unclear documents delay decisions.
▾
Scan or photograph documents clearly and make sure the name, address, account details and dates are readable. Keep copies of what you upload.
3
Report changes immediately
Support can change when your circumstances change.
▾
Highland says you must report changes immediately to avoid overpayments. Examples include change of address, people moving in or out, starting or stopping work, and changes in income, savings, childcare, benefits or health conditions.
Highland Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed discounts, water-charge confusion, evidence delays and second-home bill surprises.
Budget for water charges too
Highland bills include Scottish Water and waste-water charges. Do not budget only from the Council Tax line.
Use Direct Debit flexibility
Highland offers weekly, fortnightly, 12-month, selected 10-payment patterns, quarterly and annual payment options.
Pay bank transfers early
Highland says one-off bank transfers should be made 5 working days before the deadline.
Report changes fast
Change of address, people moving in or out, income changes and benefit changes can affect your bill or reduction.
Check second-home rules before buying
From 1 April 2026, Highland says the second-home charge is 300% for the 2026/27 year.
Use Apply Once before assuming no help
The Apply Once form can check multiple support types, not just Council Tax Reduction.
Highland Council Tax Change of Address, Moving Home, New Address and Evidence Uploads
If you move into Highland, move out, move within the council area or your household changes, use Highland’s Change of Circumstances route. This keeps your Council Tax bill, discounts and reductions correct.
| Situation | What to Tell Highland | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Highland | New address, move-in date and household details. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out of Highland | Leaving date, forwarding address and final bill details. | Helps stop liability at the correct time. |
| Moving within Highland | Old and new addresses with exact moving dates. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| Someone moves in or out | Name, date and household change details. | May change Single Occupancy Discount or support. |
| Income or benefit changes | Updated income, benefit or savings evidence. | May affect Council Tax Reduction. |
Official change page: Register or report a change for Council Tax
Highland Council Tax Late Payments, Penalties, Recovery Team and Repayment Help
If you are struggling with Highland Council Tax, act early. Check your bill, confirm whether Scottish Water charges are included, look at Council Tax Reduction, and contact the correct team before arrears become harder to manage.
1
Check the bill and payment dates first
Know exactly what is overdue.
▾
Check your Council Tax reference, instalment dates, Council Tax amount, water charges, discounts, reductions and any payments already made. This helps you explain the issue clearly.
2
Check Council Tax Reduction and welfare support
Do this before debt grows.
▾
If your income changed or you are under financial pressure, use Apply Once and Highland’s welfare support services. Welfare support is listed for free, confidential help with benefits, money matters and budgeting.
Welfare support phone: 0800 090 1004
3
Contact the Revenues team if repayment is needed
Use the debt/recovery contact for payment-plan discussion.
▾
Highland lists the Revenues team for collection of debts, negotiating repayment plans and further revenues queries.
Revenues team: 01463 702980 • recovery.team@highland.gov.uk
Highland Council Tax Phone Number, Payment Line, Operations Team, Revenues Team and Postal Address
Use the correct Highland contact route depending on what you need. Keep your Council Tax reference, full name, property address, payment date, bill amount and reduction details ready before calling or emailing.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automated payment line | Council Tax payment by phone. | 01349 886605 Available 24 hours |
| Operations team | Council Tax reductions, discounts, bill or notice questions. | 0800 393 811 operations.team@highland.gov.uk PO Box 5650, Inverness, IV3 5YX |
| Direct Debit by phone | Setting up Direct Debit over the phone. | 0800 393 811 |
| Revenues team | Debt collection, repayment plans and revenues queries. | 01463 702980 recovery.team@highland.gov.uk Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5YX |
| Welfare support | Benefits, money matters and budgeting advice. | 0800 090 1004 welfare.support@highland.gov.uk |
Highland Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Highland Council Tax pay online, bands, discounts, online account, Council Tax Reduction, Scottish Water charges, Direct Debit, second homes and contact help.
How do I pay Highland Council Tax online?▾
Use Highland Council’s official Pay online page. Keep your Council Tax payment reference or account number from your bill ready before paying.
What is the Highland Council Tax payment phone number?▾
Highland lists 01349 886605 as the automated phone payment line, available 24 hours a day.
What are Highland Council Tax charges for 2026/27?▾
For 2026/27, Highland lists Council Tax-only charges from Band A £1,089.33 to Band H £4,003.28. The final bill total is higher because water and waste-water charges are also included.
What is Highland Band D total including Scottish Water?▾
For 2026/27, Highland lists Band D Council Tax as £1,633.99, total water services as £652.32, and total for two or more adults as £2,286.31.
Can I get Highland Council Tax Single Occupancy Discount?▾
You may qualify if you are the only adult aged 18 or over living in your home and it is your sole or main residence. Tell Highland if someone moves in or turns 18.
How do I apply for Highland Council Tax Reduction?▾
Use Highland’s Council Tax Reduction page and Apply Once form. It can check Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit, Second Adult Rebate, discounts, Disabled Band Reduction and other support.
How do I report moving home for Highland Council Tax?▾
Use Highland’s Register or report a change for Council Tax page. The Change of Circumstances form can register a new address, report moving home and upload evidence.
What is the Highland Council Tax Operations team phone number?▾
Highland lists 0800 393 811 for the Operations team, which helps with Council Tax reductions, discounts, bills and notices.
What is Highland Council Tax for second homes in 2026/27?▾
Highland says from 1 April 2026, the second-home charge is 300% for the 2026/2027 Council Tax year, subject to rules and any discretionary relief that applies.
Who do I contact for Highland Council Tax repayment plans?▾
Highland lists the Revenues team for collection of debts and repayment plans. The phone number is 01463 702980 and the email is recovery.team@highland.gov.uk.
Why is my Highland bill higher than the Council Tax band amount?▾
Your bill may include Scottish Water and waste-water charges, previous balances, second-home charges, discounts, reductions, credits, arrears or a changed liability period.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Highland Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Highland Council, Scottish Assessors, GOV.UK or mygov.scot pages for payments, applications, band checks and account decisions.