How to pay business rates

You can track the progress of your payments and securely view the balance on your business rates through the bill and benefit checker.

Direct debit

• You can telephone the business rates section on 01772 906972 (minicom: 01772 906858) with your bank account details and the instruction will be actioned without the need to complete any paperwork.
• Telephone hours:
  • Monday - Wednesday: 9.00am-5.00pm
  • Thursday: 9.00am-3.30pm
  • Friday: 9.00am-4.30pm 
• If you prefer, you can download and complete a direct debit instruction and return it to the Corporate Director of Community and Business Services.

If the front of your bill states that your payment method is by direct debit you do not need to complete a new instruction. Your direct debit will automatically continue each year.

Payment by debit or credit card

(Please note there may be a charge of 1.5% for paying by credit card)

• Through the 24 hours a day automated telephone service on 0845 155 0028 or through the manned payment line on 01772 906660.
• Pay business rates online and have your debit or credit card and account number available.

By post

• Remittances should be sent to the address shown on the front of your bill.
• Please write your business rates account number on the reverse of your cheque. Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Preston City Council.
• Do not send your bill unless you also send a prepaid envelope for its return. Receipts are only given for payment made by post if a stamped addressed envelope is provided by you.

PayPoint and the Post Office networks

To find where your nearest Paypoint or Post Office outlet is please use Allpay's easy to use search tool www.allpay.net/outlets.

Bank

Please quote your business rates account number together with the council's account details when completing a paying in slip. (A small fee may be charged.)

Account name: Preston C.C.Account
Account number: 13162739
Sort code: 16-28-33
Bank name and address: The Royal Bank of Scotland PLC, Fishergate Branch, 97 Fishergate, Preston, PR1 2DP

Standing order

Please quote the following on your standing order:

• your business rates account reference number as shown on the front of the bill
• amounts of your monthly instalments
• payment dates
• and the council's bank account details

Note: When making a payment through a bank or post office it will not be effective until the credit has been received and identified by the council. You should, therefore, allow sufficient time for your instructions to be carried out.