been charged council tax in feb and march for years even though I'm supposed to pay over 10 months

[ZingyCat]

I'm going to call them on Monday to check but has this happened to anyone else?

I pay council tax via direct debit over ten months, Just got the letter today confirming I pay over ten months and how much to pay etc..

They have taken it from my bank in feb and I'm assuming they will again in march, they did this last year and the year before but everyone I know who pays over 10 months doesn't pay it in feb and march.

could I ask for a refund?

The interest would be tiny on that amount. I'd still rather pay over 10 months.

Do you definitely pay by Direct Debit (where they decide the amount and frequency) or have you mistakenly set up a monthly Standing Order and overpaid that way?

In any case, if you've overpaid it should show as credit on your account. Phone them and ask.

Review via your bank statements if you have actually overpaid for previous years. You know what band you are in so should be able to find out amount you should have paid versus actual debits. If you have overpaid the faster route to get the money back will probably be to speak to your bank and ask for its return under the direct debit guarantee.

Are you actually overpaying? Or is the bill divided by 12 rather than 10?

If you register with the local authority for an online account you will see your previous bills and statements. You will see easily what you have paid, when you paid it and whether it was 12 or 10 monthly payments. It takes a couple of minutes to set up, then you can check. You can also send a message asking council tax to check if you are still puzzled and will get an email in response.

@ZingyCat can you see your account online? I would contact them Monday but more from a puzzled what has happened stance and go from there. Your account shouldn't be in credit on a current year and a Direct Debit payment method. Standing Order potentially as the customer controls that. Direct Debit, no.

I pay 10 months as originally the 2 payments would pay my tv license. Crazy to think it was about £75 a month back then. Now as both mine and Dh's car service, insurance and tax are all due in February/March so £500 non council tax payments goes towards that.