Here are the answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about payment of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates by direct debit:
The Moray Council offers an extensive menu of direct debit payment options. Council Tax-payers can choose from the following list:
Weekly - on each Friday;
Fortnightly - on each Thursday;
Monthly - on the fifth, fifteenth or twenty-fifth day;
Quarterly - payments on 30th May, 30th August, 30th November and 28th February;
Six-Monthly - payments on 30th May and 30th November;
Annually - payment on 30th June.
Non-Domestic Rate-payers can also pay by direct debit. Payments for their bilsl are deducted from bank accounts on the twenty-first day of each month, May to February, inclusive.
Can I pay my Council Tax bill over twelve-months?
Yes, by direct debit you can. To pay by twelve-month instalment-profile, please contact Moray Council's Customer Contact Team or visit your local Revenues Area Office.
When will my bank account be debited?
A monthly Council Tax instalment will be deducted from your bank account on the fifth, fifteenth or twenty-fifth day of the month. In addition, weekly, fortnightly, quarterly, six-monthly and annual instalment-profiles are also available. A Non-Domestic Rates instalment will be deducted from your bank account on the twenty-first day of the month. In each case, if this date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, the instalment will be collected on the next available banking day.
I already pay my Council Tax by direct debit, can I change my payment-date?
Yes. To change your payment-date, please contact Moray Council's Customer Contact Team or visit your local Revenues Area Office.
What happens if a mistake is made?
If the Council or your Bank or Building Society makes a mistake, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your Bank or Building Society of the amount paid. This is an important part of the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme.
Can I cancel a Direct Debit Instruction?
Yes. A Direct Debit Instruction can be cancelled at any time by writing to your Bank or Building Society. Please send a copy of your cancellation letter to us, too
Do I need to complete a new Direct Debit Instruction at the start of every financial year?
No. Unlike payment by Standing Order, a Direct Debit Instruction is a continuous payment authority, which remains in operation until cancelled by you.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Once you have notified the Council of your change in circumstances, we will tell you in writing if there is a change to the amount of your direct debit instalment. You will receive written notification of the new amount at least ten days prior to it being deducted from your bank account.
What sort of bank account do I need to use Direct Debit?
Most current accounts at Banks and Building Societies can be used to make direct debit payments. Some deposit accounts now allow them, too - just ask your Bank or Building Society branch and they will tell you if you can make direct debit payments from your account.
Can any organisation collect money by Direct Debit?
No. Banks and Building Societies only permit organisations with known integrity and sound financial and administrative capabilities to collect money from their customers' accounts by direct debit.
Back to topWhere can I obtain a Direct Debit Instruction?
If you would like to pay your Council Tax bill by direct debit you can download a Direct Debit Instruction from this site by clicking here.
Or, if you would like to pay your Non-Domestic Rates bill by direct debit you can download a Direct Debit Instruction from this site by clicking here.
Please complete the instruction and return it to the freepost address shown on it so we can set up your direct debit. Please do NOT send it to your bank.
Who do I contact if I have any more questions?.
If you would like more information on payment of Council Tax by direct debit, please contact please contact Moray Council's Customer Contact Team or visit your local Revenues Area Office, or if you require information on payment of Non-Domestic Rates by direct debit, please e-mail the Non-Domestic Rates Team.