Exeter City Council is introducing a new text messaging service in October to help residents stay on top of their Council Tax payments and avoid falling into arrears.
Where a Council Tax payment becomes overdue, and the Council holds appropriate contact information, residents may receive a text message reminding them that a payment is outstanding.
The new service is designed to provide an earlier reminder and make it easier for residents to make a payment or find information about support available if they are having difficulty paying.
Receiving an early reminder may also help residents act before a statutory recovery notice is issued and additional recovery costs are incurred.
How to recognise a genuine Council Tax text
Exeter City Council understands that receiving an unexpected text message about money can cause concern, particularly given the risk of scams.
To help residents identify genuine Council Tax text messages from the Council, messages will:
- appear as being sent from ‘Exeter CC’
- include the full postcode associated with the Council Tax account
- show the last four digits of the Council Tax account number
- include a secure link to the Exeter City Council website, where residents can make a payment or find help and guidance if they are experiencing difficulties paying
These messages form part of a genuine Exeter City Council service. Residents who receive a text but are unsure whether it is genuine do not need to use the link in the message. Instead, they can visit the Exeter City Council website and search for Council Tax services to make a payment or find further information.
Residents having trouble paying their Council Tax are encouraged not to ignore the situation. Information and guidance about Council Tax, payments and available support can be found on the Exeter City Council website - Council Tax - Exeter City Council

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