How to pay your Council Tax
You don't have to pay Council Tax if everyone in your home is a full-time student. You might also get a discount, reduction and exemption depending on your situation.
If you are having problems paying your Council Tax or struggling with debt, you can find more information on our Trouble paying your Council Tax bill page, as well as free, confidential and independent advice from a number of advice providers in Sunderland.
There are many ways to pay your Council Tax as explained below.
Payments online
Online payments can be made using a debit or credit card. You will need your Council Tax account number located on the front of your bill and your debit or credit card.
Direct Debit
It's the most convenient and secure way to pay, ensuring your payments are made on time. You can also pick a payment date that suits you (1, 8, 15, 23 or 28 of the month) and choose to pay over 10 months from April to January, or over 12 months from April to March set up your direct debit today.
Amend Direct Debit details
If you already pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit, you can use the Amend Direct Debit details form to change your payment date or how often you pay or update your bank details. If you are setting up a new Direct Debit, we will automatically cancel the previous one and you will receive a new Council Tax bill when it has been set up.
Please note if you miss a payment, the council will take action to recover the outstanding money which may mean extra costs and charges added to your bill, more information is available on our What happens if you don't pay your Council Tax page.
Over the phone
Call 0191 520 5588 to make a debit or credit card payment 24 hours a day. You will need your Council Tax account number located on the front of your bill and your debit or credit card. Calls to this number are charged at a local rate. It may take three working days for a debit or credit card payment to reach your Council Tax account.
Online banking
Make your payment to 'Sunderland City Council', quoting your Council Tax account number using the bank details below:
- Bank: NatWest
- Sort code: 55-61-11
- Account number:46623590
In person
Using the barcode on your bill, pay by cash or with a debit card at any Post Office branch or at any PayPoint. Find your nearest PayPoint.
By post
You can send a cheque payable to 'Sunderland City Council' with your name, address, and Council Tax account number on the back to:
- City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland, SR1 3AA
Please note we do not accept cheques dated in the future.
