Pay business rates
We will normally ask you to pay your business rates over 10 monthly instalments (but you can choose 12), due on the 5th of each month from April to January. Your bill shows the dates and amounts you have to pay.
Rates relief
We offer a range of reductions and reliefs, so check them out to see if you're eligible.
Direct Debit
Direct Debit is the simplest and most convenient way for you to pay Business Rates – you won’t miss a payment and you’re protected against mistakes under the terms of the Direct Debit Guarantee (link opens in new window).
You can set up a Business Rates Direct Debit online.
Set up your Business Rates Direct Debit
You’ll need your Business Rates account reference number, and the details of the bank or building society account that you want to pay your Business Rates from.
You can choose to pay your Direct Debit on either the 5th, 9th, 19th, or the last day of each month, and you can spread your instalments over 10 or 12 months. You can also choose to pay half-yearly (in May and October) or yearly (in June). If your payment is due over a weekend or on a bank holiday, we won’t take it until the next working day after the due date.
You can also call us on 0300 300 8011 to set up your Direct Debit – lines are open Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
If your bank account requires more than one signature to authorise a Direct Debit, please download and fill in a printable Business rates Direct Debit form (PDF).
Pay online
You can pay business rates online. This secure service is available all year round.
You need to have the following information ready:
- the amount you want to pay
- your business rates billing reference number (this is on the front of your bill)
- your credit or debit card
- a pen (to record your transaction number)
Pay by telephone
You can pay by debit or credit card using our 24-hour automated telephone payment line - 0300 300 8030.
You will need:
- the amount you want to pay
- your business rates billing reference number (this is on the front of your bill)
- your credit or debit card
- a pen (to record your transaction number)
Other options
Allpay payment card
You can use an Allpay card at any Post Office or PayPoint in the UK. To find a payment outlet near you, visit the Allpay website to search for outlets across the UK. If you would like a payment card sent to you, please contact us.
Telephone banking or standing order
You can set up a payment directly with your bank, using telephone banking or standing order. If you make payments from your bank account, please make sure that you quote your business rates reference number. The details you will need are:
National Westminster Bank PLC
Sort code: 60-01-16
Account number: 45062811
Account name: Central Bedfordshire Council income account
By post
You can pay by post, using cheques or postal orders. Please do not send cash through the post.
Please make cheques or postal orders payable to “Central Bedfordshire Council”, and write your address and reference number on the back. Send your payments to:
Income Team
Central Bedfordshire Council
Priory House
Monks Walk
Chicksands
Shefford
Bedfordshire
SG17 5TQ
Contact us
Telephone: 0300 300 8011
Email: businessrates@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Please quote your business rates account reference in all correspondence – your account reference is 7 or 8 digits long and starts with a 3, and you can find it on your business rates bill or any letter we’ve sent about your business rates.