Letter template: pay council tax arrears

If you're in council tax arrears contact the council tax team as soon as possible.

You can call, visit the council office in person, or use a live chat service on your council's website. If you're asking for a payment plan you'll be asked for details on:

your income
your monthly costs

Check your council's website for how to propose a payment plan. If your council does not have this information, speak to them in person and use this letter to follow up.

Copy and paste this sample text and personalise it with your details.

Subject: Council tax repayment proposal

To the council tax team

<your reference or account number on your council tax bill>

I’m writing to you about the council tax that I owe.

I have experienced short term difficulties because <write why you could not pay>.

I would like to reassure you that I can pay my council tax moving forward.

I can pay £xx each month towards the arrears. This has been agreed by the council on <the phone or live chat service or in person at the office>.

I spoke to <council tax staff's name> on <date> to agree this.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you

You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post:

Word template: pay council tax arrears (docx, 15 kb)
OpenDocument template: pay council tax arrears (odt, 8 kb)

Where to send your letter or email

Send the letter or email to the council tax team.

Find the council tax team on mygov.scot

If you need more help

We have guidance on:

If you need support with council tax debt, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Last updated: 4 October 2022