Merton Council Tax Bands, Pay Online, Reductions, My Tax and Benefits & Contact Help
A practical Merton Council Tax guide for residents who need to check 2026/27 bands and charges, pay online or by phone, use My Tax and Benefits, apply for reductions, claim Council Tax Support, report moving home, handle arrears or contact Merton Council.
🔒 Official Merton Council Tax Resources
Merton Council Tax Guide for Bands, Payment, Reductions and Contact
Merton Council Tax is the local charge used to help fund council services, the Greater London Authority precept and other local responsibilities. Your bill depends on your property band, whether the Wimbledon Common Area levy applies, discounts, exemptions, Council Tax Support and any account changes.
Most Merton residents search for Council Tax help because they want to pay online, check the Band A to H charges, use My Tax and Benefits, set up Direct Debit, apply for Single Adult Discount, claim Council Tax Support or speak to the Local Taxation team.
This guide explains the official routes in simple English. It is not Merton Council and cannot access your account. For payments, reductions, support claims, address changes and legal decisions, always use Merton Council or GOV.UK.
Pay or manage your account
Use Merton’s official payment page, My Tax and Benefits account and balance-check services.
Check band and charge
Use GOV.UK for your valuation band and Merton’s official charges table for the 2026/27 amount.
Reduce your bill if eligible
Check Single Adult Discount, Council Tax Support, exemptions, disabled reduction and other discounts.
Merton Council Tax Pay Online, Direct Debit, Telephone Payment, BACS, Post Office and PayPoint
Merton lets residents pay Council Tax online by credit or debit card, by Direct Debit, automated telephone service, internet banking, telephone banking, BACS, Post Office or PayPoint.
1
Open Merton’s official payment page
Start from merton.gov.uk before entering card or bank details.
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Use Merton Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page. It links to the online credit/debit card payment service, Direct Debit setup, account balance checker and other official payment options.
Official payment page: Paying your Council Tax
2
Use your eight digit Council Tax account number
Merton says it starts with 7.
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Your Merton Council Tax account number is on your bill. Merton says it is an eight digit number that starts with a 7. Use it exactly for BACS, online payment, phone payment and enquiries.
If the reference is wrong, your payment may not match quickly. Keep proof until it appears on your account.
3
Use the telephone payment line if needed
Merton lists a 24-hour automated service.
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Merton lists 0300 456 0504 for credit or debit card payment by automated telephone service. Your payment is authorised and a receipt number is given while you are on the phone.
4
Request 12 monthly instalments if needed
Useful if monthly instalments feel high.
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Merton says the annual bill is normally split into ten monthly payments from April to January, unless you choose twelve instalments or pay in full in April. To pay in twelve instalments instead of ten, Merton says to call 020 8274 4904.
| Payment Method | Official Detail | Best Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Online card payment | Use Merton’s official card payment service. | Keep your eight digit account number ready. |
| Automated telephone payment | 0300 456 0504. | Write down the receipt number before ending the call. |
| BACS / internet banking | LBM Head Office Account (Council Tax), sort code 30-00-00, account number 05390753. | Use your Council Tax account number as payment reference. |
| Post Office | Use the barcode on the first page of your bill. | Allow up to seven working days for payment to reach the council. |
| PayPoint | Cash only, using the barcode on your bill. | Keep the PayPoint receipt until payment appears. |
Merton Council Tax Login, My Tax and Benefits, Online Bills, Balance and Paperless Billing
Merton’s My Tax and Benefits service lets residents manage Council Tax, Business Rates or benefits accounts online. It is normally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What you can do online
Look up account details, apply for reductions, view benefits information and choose email bills instead of paper bills.
What you need to register
You need your Council Tax reference number from your bill or council letters. If you moved and do not have one yet, register for Council Tax first.
1
Open My Tax and Benefits
Use Merton’s official sign-in or registration route.
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Open Merton’s official My Tax and Benefits page. If you already have an account, sign in. If not, register and keep your Council Tax reference number ready.
Official page: My Tax and Benefits: manage your account online
2
Check your balance before paying twice
Useful if a recent payment is still processing.
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Merton’s Council Tax hub links to a check your account balance service. Use this before making a second manual payment or calling about a missing payment.
Official Council Tax hub: Merton Council Tax
3
Understand paperless billing limits
Email bills do not include a payment barcode.
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Merton says email bills can save time and postage, but you cannot use the email copy of your bill to pay at PayPoint, Post Office or bank because it does not contain a barcode.
Merton Council Tax Bands A to H, GOV.UK Band Checker and Wimbledon Common Area Levy
Council Tax bands in England run from A to H and are based on historic property valuation rules. Merton’s bill also has a higher charge for properties within a three-quarter-mile distance of Wimbledon Common because of the Wimbledon Common Area levy.
Find your band
Use GOV.UK’s Council Tax band checker with your postcode or address.
Compare the charge
Use Merton’s official charge table for main borough rates and Wimbledon Common Area levy rates.
Beware of band scams
Merton warns that some companies ask for money to challenge a band, but you can do this yourself for free.
Official band checker: Check your Council Tax band
Merton bands and charges: Council Tax charges and bands
Merton Council Tax Charges 2026/27 by Band, Band D Amount and Wimbledon Common Levy
Merton’s 2026/27 Council Tax charge depends on your band. The table below shows both the main annual charge and the annual charge including the Wimbledon Common Area levy, where that levy applies.
| Band | Merton 2026/27 Annual Charge | With Wimbledon Common Area Levy | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band A | £1,427.01 | £1,454.60 | Check reductions before paying full amount. |
| Band B | £1,664.85 | £1,697.03 | Compare with latest bill instalments. |
| Band C | £1,902.69 | £1,939.47 | Use GOV.UK if band seems wrong. |
| Band D | £2,140.52 | £2,181.90 | Standard comparison band. |
| Band E | £2,616.19 | £2,666.77 | Check discounts and account changes. |
| Band F | £3,091.86 | £3,151.63 | Review if instalments seem high. |
| Band G | £3,567.53 | £3,636.50 | Check levy, support and arrears. |
| Band H | £4,281.04 | £4,363.80 | Review full bill carefully. |
Why your Merton bill may be different
Your bill can include the Wimbledon Common Area levy, Council Tax Support, Single Adult Discount, arrears, a credit, an empty property premium or revised liability dates.
Empty property and second home premiums
Merton charges extra premiums for some empty properties and second homes. Check the official charges page if the property is empty or a second home.
Merton Council Tax Reductions, Single Adult Discount, Exemptions, Disabled Reduction and Support
Merton has official routes for Council Tax discounts, exemptions and support. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for more than one type of help.
Single Adult Discount
If you are the only person aged 18 or over living in the property, Merton says you may get 25% off your bill.
Council Tax Support
If you are on a low income or certain benefits, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support.
Exemptions and other discounts
Students, disregarded people, disabled facilities, empty properties and other circumstances may have separate rules.
1
Open Merton’s discounts and support hub
Choose the right reduction before applying.
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Use Merton’s official discounts, exemptions and support page. It explains that you may qualify for a discount or exemption depending on your circumstances.
Official page: Council Tax discounts, exemptions and support
2
Apply for Single Adult Discount only if it fits
Only one adult aged 18 or over should live there.
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Merton says Single Adult Discount gives 25% off your Council Tax bill if you are the only person aged 18 or over living in the property. If someone has moved out, you may need proof or the new address of the person who used to live with you.
Official page: Council Tax discounts
3
Report changes immediately
Wrong discounts can become backdated debt.
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Merton says you must tell the council immediately if there is a change of circumstances at your property, because this may affect how much Council Tax you need to pay.
Merton Council Tax Support, Low Income Help, 20% Taper and Arrears Support
If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support. Merton explains that support can be reduced by 20p for every pound of excess income above your applicable amount.
Who should check support
Check if you are on low income, unemployed, receiving benefits, retired, disabled, caring for someone, or your household income has changed.
What to prepare
Keep your Council Tax account number, income proof, benefit details, National Insurance information, household details and address details ready.
1
Check Council Tax Support first
Do this before arrears become stressful.
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Use Merton’s official Council Tax Support information if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
Official support page: Council Tax Support
2
Use My Tax and Benefits for reductions
Merton says reductions can be applied online.
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Merton’s My Tax and Benefits page says you can apply for a discount, exemption or other reduction in your Council Tax by completing online forms.
Official online account page: My Tax and Benefits
3
Contact benefits if the issue is support-related
Use the right team for benefits claims.
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For benefit and Council Tax Support claim enquiries, Merton lists 020 8274 4903 between 10am and midday and email housing.benefits@merton.gov.uk.
Benefits contact page: Contact us about benefits
Merton Council Tax Tips Most Residents Learn Too Late
These practical checks can help you avoid wrong payments, missed instalments, lost discounts, delayed bills and stressful arrears.
Save your eight digit account number
Merton says the Council Tax account number is eight digits and starts with 7. You need it for payment, BACS, phone payment and online account access.
Allow seven working days for Post Office payments
Merton says Post Office payments can take up to seven working days to reach the council. Pay early enough before the due date.
Use 12 instalments if monthly payments are high
Merton says you can call 020 8274 4904 if you want to pay in twelve monthly instalments instead of ten.
Check if Wimbledon Common levy applies
Some properties near Wimbledon Common have a higher charge because of the Wimbledon Common Area levy.
Keep PayPoint and phone payment proof
Keep receipts and telephone receipt numbers until the payment is visible on your Council Tax account.
Contact arrears team early
Merton lists separate arrears recovery numbers. Use them before recovery action becomes more serious.
Merton Council Tax Moving Home, Registering, Change of Address and Household Change
If you move into Merton, move out of Merton or move within the borough, tell Merton Council quickly. Council Tax liability depends on exact dates, tenancy, ownership, occupation and who is responsible for the property.
| Situation | What Merton Needs | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Moving into Merton | New address, move-in date, adults living there, tenancy or ownership details. | Starts the correct Council Tax account. |
| Moving out of Merton | Old address, leaving date, forwarding address and new occupier or owner details where relevant. | Helps stop bills after you have left. |
| Moving within Merton | Old and new Merton addresses, exact dates and occupier details. | Closes one account and opens another. |
| People in household changed | Adult moved in/out, student status, name change or household change. | Can affect discounts and support. |
| New bill not received | Register for Council Tax if you moved and do not yet have a reference number. | You need the reference for online services. |
Official Council Tax hub: Merton Council Tax
Online account and moving page: My Tax and Benefits
Merton Council Tax Arrears, Late Payment, Cancelled Instalments and Recovery Action
Council Tax arrears should be handled early. Merton warns that if you pay late or miss instalments, the council can cancel your instalment arrangement and start recovery action through the magistrates’ court.
1
Check your account and latest bill
Know what is overdue before asking for help.
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Use Merton’s balance checker or My Tax and Benefits service to confirm the balance, instalments, payments made and any overdue amount.
2
Call the right Merton team
Use billing or arrears contacts depending on the stage.
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For account or billing enquiries, Merton lists 020 8274 4904. For Local Taxation Arrears Recovery, Merton lists 020 8545 3468 or 020 8274 4905.
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Check support before agreeing unaffordable payments
Support or reductions may reduce pressure.
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If income has dropped, check Council Tax Support, discounts and cost-of-living support before agreeing to a payment plan you cannot keep.
Official payment page with arrears contacts: Paying your Council Tax
Merton Council Tax Refunds, Overpayments, Credit Balance and Revised Bills
You may have a Council Tax credit if you moved, overpaid, paid after a discount was applied, had Council Tax Support backdated, or kept paying after your liability ended.
Common refund reasons
Moving out, duplicate payment, Direct Debit continuing too long, revised Single Adult Discount, Council Tax Support, exemption or account correction.
What to prepare
Council Tax account number, old address, forwarding address, move date, payment proof and secure bank details only through an official route.
Merton Council Tax Contact Number, Payment Line, Arrears Team, Email and Postal Address
Use the correct Merton Council Tax route depending on the issue. Keep your Council Tax account number, full property address, payment date and bill details ready before contacting the council.
| Contact / Resource | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Automated payment line | Credit or debit card Council Tax payment. | 0300 456 0504 Normally available 24 hours a day. |
| Account or billing enquiry | Bill, account, instalment and general Council Tax questions. | 020 8274 4904 Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. |
| Arrears Recovery team | Council Tax arrears and recovery questions. | 020 8545 3468 or 020 8274 4905 9am to 5pm. |
| Council Tax written enquiries. | local.taxation@merton.gov.uk | |
| Postal address | Written Council Tax correspondence. | Local Taxation, London Borough of Merton, PO Box No 559, Morden, SM4 5ZY |
Merton Council Tax FAQs
Quick answers for residents searching Merton Council Tax bands, charges, how to pay, My Tax and Benefits login, reductions, Single Adult Discount, Council Tax Support, arrears and contact details.
How do I pay Merton Council Tax online?▾
Use Merton Council’s official “Paying your Council Tax” page or the linked online credit/debit card payment service. Keep your eight digit Council Tax account number ready.
What are Merton Council Tax charges for 2026/27?▾
Merton’s main 2026/27 charge is Band A £1,427.01, Band D £2,140.52 and Band H £4,281.04. Properties inside the Wimbledon Common Area levy have higher charges.
What is the Merton Council Tax payment phone number?▾
Merton lists 0300 456 0504 as the automated telephone service for Council Tax credit or debit card payments.
What is the Merton Council Tax contact number?▾
Merton lists 020 8274 4904 for account or billing enquiries, Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
What are Merton Council Tax arrears phone numbers?▾
Merton lists the Local Taxation Arrears Recovery team on 020 8545 3468 or 020 8274 4905, 9am to 5pm.
How do I log in to Merton Council Tax online?▾
Use Merton’s My Tax and Benefits online service. You can sign in or register, and you need your Council Tax reference number from your bill or other council letters.
Can I get Merton Council Tax Single Adult Discount?▾
Yes. If you are the only person aged 18 or over living in a property, Merton says you may be entitled to Single Adult Discount worth 25% off your Council Tax bill.
Can I apply for Merton Council Tax Support?▾
Yes. If you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be able to claim Council Tax Support through Merton’s official support information and online services.
How do I check my Merton Council Tax band?▾
Use GOV.UK’s official Council Tax band checker, then compare your band with Merton Council’s official charges and bands page.
Why is my Merton bill higher than the main band table?▾
Your bill may include the Wimbledon Common Area levy, arrears, a previous balance, an empty property premium, a support change or a revised liability date.
Can I pay Merton Council Tax over 12 months?▾
Merton says the bill is normally split into ten payments, but if you want to pay in twelve monthly instalments instead of ten, call 020 8274 4904.
Is UKCouncilTax.org the official Merton Council website?▾
No. UKCouncilTax.org is an independent guide. Always use official Merton Council and GOV.UK pages for payments, applications, account updates and legal decisions.