Council Tax in Guildford: Bands, Bills & How to Pay
Guildford Borough Council sends your council tax bill and collects the money for itself, Surrey County Council and Surrey's Police and Crime Commissioner. Here are the 2026-27 charges and how to pay.
Quick answer
Council tax in Guildford is billed and collected by Guildford Borough Council. For 2026-27 a Band D home in the Guildford town area is charged £2,501.18 for the year, and £2,569.70 in Shalford (checked 9 October 2026). You can pay by direct debit, online, by phone on 03300 889 584 or by standing order.
Who bills you
Guildford Borough Council sends the bill and takes the payments. The money is shared. The council's 2026-27 financial information lists the bodies your bill pays for: Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. If you live in a parish, the parish council's charge is included too.
That is why the total differs between parts of the borough. The council publishes a separate row of charges for the Guildford town area and for each parish.
Council tax charges 2026-27
These are the full-year charges for 2026 to 2027, as published on Guildford Borough Council's website and checked on 9 October 2026.
Guildford town area
- Band A: £1,667.46
- Band B: £1,945.36
- Band C: £2,223.28
- Band D: £2,501.18
- Band E: £3,057.00
- Band F: £3,612.82
- Band G: £4,168.64
- Band H: £5,002.36
Shalford parish
- Band A: £1,713.14
- Band B: £1,998.66
- Band C: £2,284.18
- Band D: £2,569.70
- Band E: £3,140.75
- Band F: £3,711.79
- Band G: £4,282.84
- Band H: £5,139.40
The council's charges page has the figures for every other parish in the borough. Your bill shows which row applies to you.
Check your band
Your band is set by the Valuation Office, not the council. Look up any address on the government's Check your Council Tax band service. The same service is where you challenge a band you think is wrong. You will need evidence.
How to pay
Guildford Borough Council offers four ways to pay:
- Direct debit. The council calls this the easiest way. Payment is requested on the second day of the month, or the next working day. You set it up through your MyGuildford account, and the council aims to set up or change it within 10 working days.
- Online. You need your council tax account number and a debit or credit card. The council does not accept JCB, American Express or Diners cards.
- By phone. The automated payment line is 03300 889 584. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Standing order or online banking. The council's bank details are on its payment page. Always quote your council tax account number as the reference.
Your account number is on your bill.
Moving to Guildford
If you have moved into the borough, register for council tax online. The council needs the date you moved in, the date your tenancy started or the date you bought the home, and details of the adults living with you.
Guildford cannot tell your old council for you. Close your account with them yourself. You may be due a refund if you have overpaid.
There are separate forms if you move within the borough or leave it.
Discounts and reductions
- Single person discount. If you are the only adult in the home, you can claim 25% off. Apply through your MyGuildford account. Tell the council straight away if another adult moves in.
- Students. Full-time students are treated differently for council tax. The council's students page explains who counts.
- Disability. If your home has been adapted to help a disabled person living there, the council says it might be able to reduce your bill.
- Help with the bill. The Local Council Tax Support scheme helps households that cannot afford the full charge. You apply to the council.
- Carers. Care workers, home carers and the person they care for may be able to pay less.
All of these are listed on the council's discounts and reductions page.
If you are struggling to pay
Contact the council early. It may be able to change your instalments or check you are getting the right discount. Its help page also points to free debt advice: National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 and Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848.
If you have had a reminder, a summons or a visit from an enforcement agent, the council has a page for each on its help paying page.
Contacting the council
Customer services is on 01483 505050. As listed on 9 October 2026, phone lines are open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4pm and Friday from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Reception at Millmead House, Millmead, GU2 4BB is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 5pm and Friday from 8.30am to 4.30pm.
A change coming in April 2027
Local government in Surrey is being reorganised. According to the Future Surrey hub, a new West Surrey Council will take over all local council services on 1 April 2027. It will replace Guildford Borough Council and five neighbouring borough and district councils, along with the services now run by Surrey County Council.
Until then the existing councils carry on as normal. Keep paying Guildford Borough Council as your bill says. Watch the council's website and your 2027-28 bill for who to pay after that date.
| Band | Guildford town area | Shalford parish |
|---|---|---|
| A | £1,667.46 | £1,713.14 |
| B | £1,945.36 | £1,998.66 |
| C | £2,223.28 | £2,284.18 |
| D | £2,501.18 | £2,569.70 |
| E | £3,057.00 | £3,140.75 |
| F | £3,612.82 | £3,711.79 |
| G | £4,168.64 | £4,282.84 |
| H | £5,002.36 | £5,139.40 |
Frequently asked questions
Who do I pay council tax to in Guildford?
Guildford Borough Council. It bills you and collects the money, then passes on the shares for Surrey County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey and any parish council.
How much is Band D council tax in Guildford?
For 2026-27 it is £2,501.18 for the year in the Guildford town area, as published by Guildford Borough Council and checked on 9 October 2026. Parishes have their own totals. Shalford is £2,569.70.
How do I find my council tax band in Guildford?
Use the government's Check your Council Tax band service at gov.uk/council-tax-bands and enter your postcode. Your band is also printed on your bill.
How do I pay my Guildford council tax?
By direct debit through your MyGuildford account, online with a debit or credit card, on the 24-hour automated phone line 03300 889 584, or by standing order or online banking using the details on the council's payment page.
Can I get a discount if I live alone in Guildford?
Yes. If you are the only adult in the home you can claim a 25% single person discount. Apply through your MyGuildford account.
I have just moved to Guildford. How do I register for council tax?
Fill in the online form on Guildford Borough Council's Register for council tax page. You will need your move-in date, your tenancy or purchase date and the names of the adults living with you. Close your account with your old council yourself.
Will Guildford Borough Council still collect council tax after April 2027?
A new West Surrey Council is due to take over all local council services on 1 April 2027. Until then Guildford Borough Council bills as normal. Check your 2027-28 bill for who to pay.
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