Pay your business rates

You can pay your business rates in full or by monthly instalments.

Most bills are paid over 10 months, from April to January. If you’d prefer to spread payments over 12 months, complete our online form.

Pay by Direct Debit

Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay. Payments are taken each month automatically, so you don’t need to remember due dates.

Benefits of Direct Debit

  • Simple, quick and safe.
  • Protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee.
  • Peace of mind that your bill will always be paid on time.

The Direct Debit Guarantee

  • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.
  • If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Trafford Council will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.
  • If Trafford Council or your bank or building society makes an error in your Direct Debit, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.
  • You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also let us know.

How it works

  • Payments are collected on the 1st of each month.
  • At least 10 working days’ notice is needed before the first payment can be taken.
  • Keep paying your bill until you receive confirmation that your Direct Debit has been set up or changed.
  • A new bill will be sent once your request has been agreed.

What you’ll need

  • Your business rates billing number (6 digits, top right of your bill).
  • The address of the property you’re paying for.
  • Your bank or building society account details.

When setting up a Direct Debit online you must confirm:

  • You are the account holder.
  • No other signature is needed to authorise Direct Debits on your account.

If you can’t confirm this online, you can still set up Direct Debit by:

Set up a Direct Debit

Pay online

You can pay with a debit or credit card through our secure online system.

Pay your business rates online

Pay by phone

Use our 24-hour automated payment line by calling 0845 371 9901.

Have your business rates account number and card details ready.

Pay at the Post Office or Payzone outlet

You can pay your Business Rates bill at any Post Office or Payzone outlet using the barcode on the back of your Business Rates bill. There is no charge to pay like this.

  • Post Office – pay by cash or cheque
  • Payzone outlet – pay by cash only

Payments can take up to 3 working days to reach us.

If you do not have a Business Rates bill with a barcode on the back, call us on 0161 912 2346 or log onto your OpenPortal account to request one.

Missed or late payments

If you miss a payment, we may cancel your instalment plan and ask you to pay the full balance.

If you’re struggling to pay, contact us using our online form.