How to pay your business rate bill
You can pay your business rate by:
- direct debit
- at the cash office
- post
- at the bank
- by telephone
- online payment
- by telebanking/internet banking
If you pay by direct debit your payment date can be on either the 1, 15 or 25 day of the month. For all other options, your payment date will be due on the 1 day of the month.
Payment methods
Direct debit
This is the simplest, cheapest and most convenient way to pay. There are no cheques to write, no cash to deal with and no ongoing paperwork because payments are made for you by your bank or building society.
You will always remain in control of your payments, as we will notify you at least 10 working days before any change to your payments. You are guaranteed a full and immediate refund by your bank in the unlikely event of an error. You are free to cancel the direct debit instruction at any time.
The council offers a choice of dates for payment of business rates by direct debit on the 1, 15 or 25 day of the month.
If you are a new or existing council tax payer and you would like to pay by direct debit, the following option are available:
By post
Cheques made payable to: 'BCP Council' should be sent to: Stour Valley and Poole Partnership, PO Box 722, Poole, BH15 2YE.
Please ensure you quote your 9 digit business rate reference number on the back of your cheque. In the interest of economy a receipt will not be issued and an alternative method of payment should be used if possible. Post dated cheques are not acceptable.
The payment slip must accompany your remittance. Cheques, money orders and postal orders should be made payable to 'BCP Council' and crossed.
Online
Paying online is easy and secure. Go to Christchurch Online Payments and follow the online instructions.
Telephone
Call our 24 hour automated phone service you will need your 9 digit non-domestic rate reference number shown on your bill.
By telebanking/internet banking or at a bank
To make a payment using the services which banks and building societies offer, please quote the council's bank sort code: 30-00-00 and account number: 00270903 to transfer funds. Please also state your 9 digit non-domestic rate reference, which is shown on your bill.
Please note: payments made by these methods may take up to 5 working days to reach us.
At the Civic Offices
Payments can be made at the Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Christchurch (office hours Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm).
At a post office
You may take your bar coded bill and payment to any post office. You will be charged a fee.
Late payment
Payments must be made in accordance with your business rate bill. In the event of late payment, a reminder notice may be issued.
Legislation allows for a maximum of 2 reminders to be issued in any financial year. After this, the remaining balance for the year becomes payable in full.