General advice and calculations
Find out more about Council Tax from the sections shown below:
What is Council Tax?
Council Tax is charged on all domestic properties. The money collected goes towards paying for local services such as education, policing and rubbish collections. For a full breakdown of what is collected and where it goes click on the links below.
Calculate your Council Tax
To calculate your Council Tax, you need to know three things:
- The valuation band of your home
- How much is charged for that band (West Suffolk Council Tax rates)
- Whether you are eligible for a discount or exemption visit: Anglia Revenues Partnership - Reductions and discounts
Council Tax rates and information 2024-25
Adult Social Care
The Council Tax raised on behalf of Suffolk County Council goes towards adult social care. Under legislation required from 2017 onwards we are required to publish the following statement from DCLG. For any further information, please contact Suffolk County Council.
(5) In Schedule 2 (information to be supplied with demand notices) after paragraph 7 insert:
“8. In relation to the year beginning in 2017 and any subsequent year, the following statement:
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has made an offer to adult social care authorities ('Adult social care authorities' are local authorities which have functions under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014, namely county councils in England, district councils for an area in England for which there is no county council, London Borough councils, the Common Council of the City of London and the Council of the Isles of Scilly.)
The offer is the option of an adult social care authority being able to charge an additional ‘precept’ on its council tax for the financial years from the financial year beginning 2016 without holding a referendum, to assist the authority in meeting expenditure on adult social care. Subject to the annual approval of the House of Commons, the Secretary of State intends to offer the option of charging this ‘precept’ at an appropriate level in each financial year up to and including the financial year 2019-20.”
Who pays Council Tax?
It is usually one person over 18 years old (the liable person) who pays Council Tax. Couples living together are jointly responsible, you can have one name or both your names added to the bill to reflect this. For a full list of who is liable for Council Tax see: Citizens Advice Bureau 'Who has to pay Council Tax'
Your Council Tax bill explained
For a guide to what makes up your Council Tax bill, visit: Anglia Revenues Partnership – Understanding your Council Tax bill
How to pay your Council Tax
You can pay your Council Tax over ten months: pay now
You can spread the cost of your Council Tax over 12 months but you will need to let us know. If you want to do this you can set up or amend a direct debit online or contact us
Discounts and exemptions
A full Council Tax bill is based upon two adults living in a domestic property. Some people are 'disregarded' or not counted as adults for Council Tax purposes (for example if they are full time students.) For more details of Council Tax discounts and exemptions visit: Anglia Revenues Partnership - Reductions and discounts
I need help paying my Council Tax
If you are having problems meeting the cost of your Council Tax bill, contact us You can choose to spread the cost over 12 months instead of ten. Or, if you are on a low income, you could qualify for Council Tax reduction.
Debt recovery policy
What happens if I move in or out of the area?
You will need to let the council know when you move in or out of your house. To do this, please visit the online services page of the Anglia Revenues Partnership website, select your authority, then click the ‘Report a change of address’ button.
What is Anglia Revenues Partnership?
Anglia Revenues Partnership (ARP) administrates and collects Council Tax and business rates for a number of councils including West Suffolk Council.