Paying My Business Rates

Charges on Credit Cards from 7 October 2009

Please note: A fee of 1.5% is charged on all credit card payments (with the exception of Parking Fine payments) to help cover banking costs.

Q: How can I pay my Business Rates?

A: We accept payment of Business Rates through all the following ways:-

On-line by Credit or Debit Card

Make on-line payments by a range of debit and credit cards through our website.

Direct Debit
The easiest way to pay your Business Rates is by Direct Debit. Paying by Direct Debit takes away the hassle of remembering to write and send in cheques, renew standing orders or queue at a bank.

Once set up the Direct Debit continues each year and you remain protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. You will be sent a notification once a year of the amounts to be taken from your account.

If you wish to pay by Direct Debit complete the form enclosed with your bill, print a Direct Debit form to complete and post back to us.

Credit and Debit Cards
Telephone our 24 hour automated payment line on 01276 707680 to pay using your Visa, Master Card, Maestro, Solo or Delta cards. Please note we do not accept American Express, Diners Card or JCB cards.

Post a Cheque/Postal Order
Write your Business Rate account number on the reverse of your cheque/postal order and send it with the appropriate Bank Giro Credit Slip enclosed with your bill. Cheques and postal order should be crossed and made payable to Surrey Heath Borough Council. Please be aware it is Council policy NOT to accept post-dated cheques.

To Pay by BACS, Telephone Banking, Home Banking via the internet or Standing Order
Your bank will ask for our bank details which are:-

Sort Code 62-22-31
Account Number 00000000

You must also tell the bank your Business Rate account number which will be shown on your bill and that the payments are made to National Westminster Bank PLC for the credit of Surrey Heath Borough Council.

Through a bank
Complete the appropriate Bank Giro Credit slip, enclosed with your bill, and present it with your payment at a bank. Please note a fee may be charged.

At a Post Office
To pay fee-free at any Post Office you can use a Freepay card. Contact the Council on 01276 707136 and we will arrange to send you a card and full instructions.

Q: When do I need to pay?
A: Your Business Rate bill will explain when you need to make your payments. Payment will generally be by monthly instalments due on or by the 2nd of the month.

Q: When will my payment show on my account?
A: Direct Debit payments will be credited to your Business Rates account the next working day.

For all other payments you must allow extra time for the payment to reach us. Payments made through a bank or Post Office can take up to 6 working days to be received by the Council. Please bear this in mind or you could receive a reminder.