Council Tax in Liverpool confuses more people than it should. Bills arrive with numbers that feel high, band letters that mean nothing, and instructions that send you through several council pages without clear answers. Most people only look at their Council Tax bill when something feels wrong — and by then, it’s already stressful.
This guide explains Council Tax in plain English. You’ll learn how much residents actually pay, how bands work, how to contact Liverpool City Council, how to apply for reductions, how payments work, and what changes if a property is rented short-term (including Airbnb).
Unlike official council pages, this resource isn’t written for policy teams. It’s written for residents, tenants, homeowners, landlords, and people moving to Liverpool who want clear, practical answers in one place.
What Is Council Tax in Liverpool?
Council Tax is a local tax charged by Liverpool City Council to help fund essential local services, including:
- Bin collection and waste services
- Police and fire services
- Adult social care
- Local transport and infrastructure
- Libraries, parks, and community services
Every residential property in Liverpool is placed into a Council Tax band (A–H) based on its estimated value in April 1991, not its current market value. This surprises many homeowners, but it’s how Council Tax is calculated across England.
Council Tax Bands in Liverpool (How Much You Pay)
How Council Tax bands work
Your band depends on what your property would have been worth in 1991. Renovations, extensions, or rising house prices do not automatically change your band.
Liverpool’s housing stock means a higher-than-average proportion of homes fall into Bands A–C, particularly inner-city terraces, flats, and converted properties.
Liverpool Council Tax Bands – 2025/26 (Approximate)
| Band | 1991 Property Value | Approx. Annual Charge* |
|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | £1,697.63 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 | £1,980.57 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 | £2,263.50 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 | £2,546.44 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 | £3,112.31 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 | Higher |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 | Higher |
| H | Over £320,000 | Highest |
*Figures are illustrative and based on Liverpool City Council’s 2025/26 rates. Always check your official bill for exact charges.
Liverpool approved a 4.99% Council Tax increase for 2025/26, which continues to affect bills in 2026.
How to Check Your Council Tax Band in Liverpool
You can check your band online using the official GOV.UK Council Tax band checker.
If you believe your band is wrong:
- Compare your property with similar neighbouring homes
- Gather evidence (floor size, type, layout)
- Submit a challenge through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
If a challenge succeeds, refunds can sometimes be backdated, but only in specific circumstances.
How to Pay Council Tax in Liverpool
Liverpool City Council offers several payment options:
Payment methods
- Direct Debit
- Online debit or credit card
- Standing order
- Telephone payment
Monthly payment options
Most residents are automatically set up to pay over 10 months (April–January). However, you can request to spread payments over 12 months (April–March), which lowers the monthly cost and helps with budgeting.
This option isn’t always obvious — you usually need to request it.
My Council Tax Liverpool: Online Account Access
Liverpool City Council provides an online portal called “My Council Tax Liverpool”, where you can:
- View your balance
- Check payment history
- Update personal details
- Set up or change Direct Debits
To register, you’ll need the online key printed on your paper Council Tax bill. Many people miss this detail and get stuck during sign-up.
Also Check: Harlow Council Tax 2026: Complete Guide to Bands & Payments
Liverpool Council Tax Contact Details
How do I contact Liverpool Council Tax?
- Phone number: 0151 233 3800
- Online services: My Council Tax Liverpool
- Written contact: Via Liverpool City Council’s official contact forms
What is 0151 233 3800?
This is the Liverpool City Council Council Tax helpline, used for:
- Billing questions
- Payment issues
- Discounts and reductions
- Account changes
Expect longer waiting times around March and April, when the new tax year begins.
Council Tax Reduction in Liverpool (Who Can Get Help)
You may qualify for Council Tax Reduction (CTR) if you are on a low income or receiving certain benefits.
Common Council Tax discounts and reductions
- Single Person Discount: 25% off if you live alone
- Students: Full exemption for full-time students
- Severe mental impairment: Exempt in qualifying cases
- Disability reductions: May apply in adapted homes
Apply directly through Liverpool City Council’s benefits service. Reductions are not automatic, even if you receive Universal Credit.
Struggling to Pay? Liverpool Hardship Support (2026)
Liverpool City Council operates a Council Tax Hardship Scheme for residents experiencing financial difficulty, particularly following the recent 4.99% increase.
In addition:
- Care leavers in Liverpool may qualify for a 100% Council Tax reduction, usually up to age 21 and sometimes up to 25
If you’re struggling, contact the council early — ignoring bills often leads to enforcement action.
Also Check: Manchester Council Tax 2026: Rates, Bands & How to Pay
Do You Pay Council Tax on Airbnb?
Short answer: usually, yes — but not always.
You normally pay Council Tax if:
- The property is your main residence
- It is rented short-term only occasionally
You may move to Business Rates if:
- The property is available to let for 140 days or more per year, and
- It is actually left for at least 70 days
In Liverpool, this is applied on a case-by-case basis. Liverpool City Council may review listings and apply changes retrospectively, so landlords should always confirm their status to avoid backdated charges.
From April 2025, Liverpool also have the power to apply a 100% second-home premium to properties that are not a main residence.
Common Council Tax Mistakes
Avoid these frequent and costly errors:
- Not registering when you move into a property
- Assuming discounts apply automatically
- Ignoring incorrect Council Tax bands
- Assuming Airbnb properties are exempt
- Missing reduction application deadlines
- Paying over 10 months without checking the 12-month options
For many households, the confusion isn’t the cost — it’s not knowing whether the bill is correct.
A Simple 5-Step Council Tax System for Liverpool Residents
- Check your Council Tax band
- Confirm your annual charge
- Apply for discounts or reductions immediately
- Choose the right payment schedule
- Review your bill every April
Following this system alone can prevent overpayments and enforcement issues.
Council Tax Trends (What to Expect in 2026)
As of 2026:
- Councils face ongoing funding pressure
- Annual increases remain likely
- Enforcement is stricter than in previous years
- Short-term lets and second homes receive more scrutiny
Council Tax is becoming less flexible — early action matters more than ever.
FAQs
Q. How do I contact Liverpool Council Tax?
You can contact Liverpool Council Tax by calling 0151 233 3800 or by managing your account through the My Council Tax Liverpool online portal on the Liverpool City Council website.
Q. What is 0151 233 3800?
0151 233 3800 is the official Liverpool City Council Council Tax helpline, used for billing queries, payments, discounts, and account changes.
Q. How much is Council Tax in Liverpool?
Council Tax in Liverpool depends on your property’s Council Tax band, which is based on its 1991 valuation. Band A properties pay the lowest amount, while Band H properties pay the highest.
Q. How do I apply for Council Tax reduction in Liverpool?
You can apply for a Council Tax reduction in Liverpool by submitting an online application through Liverpool City Council’s benefits service. Reductions are means-tested and not applied automatically.
Q. Do students pay Council Tax in Liverpool?
Full-time students do not usually pay Council Tax in Liverpool. Most student-only households are exempt, provided all residents are enrolled in eligible courses.
Q. Do you pay Council Tax on Airbnb properties in Liverpool?
You usually pay Council Tax on Airbnb properties in unless the property qualifies for Business Rates. This typically applies when the property is available to let for 140 days and is actually let for at least 70 days in a year, subject to council review.
Conclusion
Council Tax in Liverpool doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Once you understand your band, your payment options, and your eligibility for reductions, the system becomes far more predictable.
If something on your bill doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Check your band, explore discounts, and contact Liverpool City Council early. Most problems are fixable — but only if you act.
Understanding Council Tax Liverpool properly puts you back in control of your household finances.
Related: Birmingham Council Tax: The 2026 Guide Every Resident Needs
