Paying council tax

Council Tax is normally paid in 10 monthly instalments from April to January, due on or before the 28th of each month. You can pay by:

• Direct Debit - payments taken from your bank account on the 1st, 8th, 18th or 28th of the month. Complete a mandate online.
• Debit or credit card by phone - call 01856 873535
• Online - pay by debit or credit card 24 hours a day. 
• Cash or cheque in person at the Council Offices, Kirkwall or Warehouse Buildings, 2-12 Victoria Street, Stromness
• By post - send a cheque made payable to Orkney Islands Council to: Customer Services, Orkney Islands Council, Council Offices, Kirkwall, Orkney, KW15 1NY. Write your name, address and Council Tax reference number on the back.

If you think your bill is wrong

If you receive a Council Tax bill and think it is incorrect, contact us and we will explain how it has been calculated and advise what steps you can take.

You can appeal in writing about Council Tax discounts and exemptions, disabled band relief, and who is liable for the Council Tax. Write to us at the address below, giving your name, address, contact details, the address and account number of the property in question, and what you think is wrong. We will let you know the outcome within two months.

If you remain unhappy after our review, you can appeal to the First-tier Local Taxation Chamber, an independent tribunal. An appeal must be made within two months of receiving our decision. Find out more at localtaxationchamber.scot.

Please note that even if you are appealing, you must continue to pay your Council Tax as billed. If your bill changes as a result of an appeal, any overpayment will be refunded or offset against other outstanding amounts.

Contact us