Council tax – paying by direct debit
Your Council tax can be paid in three different ways – by direct debit, by standing order or by coming into our Customer Services points to pay direct.
Up until now, if you’ve asked to pay you council tax and non-domestic rates by direct debit you’ve had to complete a paper form, which we then forward to your bank as authorisation before the payment can be processed.
This system was a bit clunky and so we’re upgrading it to make everything a bit easier and allow you to either set the direct debit up online or through our Customer Services team.
If you already pay by direct debit, you don’t need to do anything – but if you want to change to paying by direct debit, then there’s a new system in place for doing that.
You can read more about these changes below.
What are the changes being made?
We’re making changes around how people pay council tax and non-domestic rates by direct debit.
Up until now if you’ve been paying council tax and non-domestic rates by direct debit you’ve had to complete a paper form, which we then forward to your bank as authorisation before the payment can be processed.
This system was a bit clunky and so we’re upgrading it to make everything a bit easier and allow you to either set the direct debit up online or through our Customer Services team.
Can I set a direct debit up for my rent yet?
Not yet, we’re working on it and will have more information soon.
I already have a Direct Debit set up for my council tax, do I need to do anything?
No, you don’t need to do anything
Can I choose a direct debit payment date?
Yes you can. For Council tax is can be the 1st, 8th 18th 28th of the month. For Non-Domestic Rates it’s the 15th of the month. When we move in the future to setting up a direct debit for rent this can be any date and weekly will also be an option.
Can I pay over twelve-monthly payments?
The default is 10 months but we can change it to 12 months if you prefer, just ask.
Can I change or cancel my direct debit?
Yes, you can change your payment date online at or contact Customer Services. A Direct debit can be cancelled at any time at your bank or building society. You will need to make alternative arrangements for paying though.
What happens if a mistake is made?
Contact us in the first instance and we’ll work with you to solve the issue, for example providing a refund.
How do I set up a direct debit?
The easiest way is to do this online at LINK. You can call us on 873535 or drop in to see us at OIC Customer Services in Kirkwall or Stromness.
What happens if the Council tax rate changes? Will it automatically renew at a new rate?
Yes, and you will be notified in writing with minimum of 14 days notice
Will I receive notifications when the payment has been made or if there is a problem?
No, but you can check through your usual banking arrangements that the payment has been made. If a payment bounces then we will get in touch with you.
I don’t want to change how I’m doing this and I want to continue paying by cash/cheque/standing order?
Yes – but direct debit is a much simpler way of doing this.
I have a Council tax debt from last year – will this come out of my direct debit?
No, you will need to make other arrangements.
