Pay your business rates

Pay your business rates by direct debit

Direct debit is the easiest way to pay. It is simple, safe and you only need to give us your details once. It is backed by the direct debit guarantee (opens new window).

We will ask for payment from your bank on the second day of the month. Or on the next working day if the second day of the month falls on a weekend or public holiday.

You can set up a direct debit online if you have a MyGuildford account. If you don't have an account, registration is quick and easy.

If you have not yet registered to access your business rates account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online business rates account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step, you will need the following information:

your business rates reference number - found on your latest bill. Do not include the "X" when you enter the reference
the postcode of your Guildford property

Once you have linked your account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You should select the 'change my method of payment method' link.

You will need the following information to set up your direct debit:

the name and address of your bank or building society
the sort code and account number for your bank or building society account. You will need the reference number for some building society accounts
if your business account requires multiple physical signatories, you will need to complete a paper mandate.

Once you have submitted your direct debit details, we will contact you if we need further information.

We aim to make the change to your account within 10 working days and issue your new bill in the post.

Other methods of payment

Online

You can pay your business rates by debit or credit card. We do not accept JCB, American Express or Diners cards.

Pay your business rates using your debit or credit card (opens new window)

Pay by phone

Make a payment by calling 03300 889 584. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can use your debit or credit card to pay. We do not accept JCB, American Express or Diners cards.

Pay by standing order or online banking

Pay by standing order or online banking by using the following account details:

Sort code: 40-22-26
Bank account number: 21850652

Remember to always quote your business rates account number as the reference. You can find your account number on your bill.

If you bank with HSBC, you can transfer payments from your bank account into the council's bank account.

Contact your branch and transfer to our bank account number 21850652.

Changing your number of instalments

Business rates are usually paid in 10 instalments. These are due on or before the second of each month from April through to January.

You can pay your business rates over 12 months, instead of 10.

You can change the number of instalments you pay using your MyGuildford account. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up.

Go into your account, click the business rates button and go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side.

You should select the 'change my method of payment method' link on the right-hand side of the page.

Pay your business rates