Register to pay Council Tax
How to register
If you've recently moved to Swindon and don't have a Council Tax account number, use this service to register. We will create your account and give you your account number.
Once your account is set up and you have your account number, you can register online to manage your account and make payments.
If you already have an account number, go to view your Council Tax account.
Sole or main residence
You may have to pay Council Tax, if you are aged 18 or over and live in a property as your main residence. The person(s) liable is determined by a priority list, starting with a freeholder and moving down to a squatter:
- A freeholder living in the property
- A leaseholder living in the property
- A tenant living in the property
- A licensee living in the property
- A resident with no legal interest, for example, a squatter
Other properties
You can only have one main home. For additional properties, the relevant council(s) decide which is your main residence. You cannot choose.
You might be eligible for discounts or exemptions on these additional properties.
Joint liability
In certain situations, more than one person may be jointly liable for Council Tax on the same property.
This will apply to:
- persons with the same interest in the property, for example, where more than one person owns or leases a property
- residents who are married or who live together
- residents who are living together in a civil partnership or living together as in a civil partnership
Unoccupied properties
If a property is empty, the owner is usually liable for Council Tax. See also: Council Tax premium charges
The owner
Generally, the owner is the freeholder or leaseholder. The owner may also be responsible for Council Tax on the following types of property:
- Residential care homes
- Dwellings inhabited by religious communities
- Houses in Multiple Occupation
- Dwellings Occupied By Resident Staff
- Dwellings Inhabited By Ministers Of Religion
- Dwellings Provided To Asylum Seekers
What if I think I don't have to pay Council Tax
If you believe you're not liable for Council Tax, submit a written appeal to the Council Tax department. More information is available on the valuation appeals webpage.
Further information
Many households qualify for discounts or exemptions. Details can be found on the Council Tax discounts webpage and the Council Tax exemptions webpage.
Council Tax Support is also available for low-income households.
Please note: Due to high demand after the new financial year's billing, responses during March and April may be delayed, and bills may be issued later than usual.