Council Tax texts, emails and phone calls

If you fall behind on your Council Tax payments, we may contact you by text message, e-mail or a phone call with an automated message.

These messages help you stay on track and avoid extra charges or legal action, but it’s still your responsibility to pay your council tax on time.

How to recognise a real message

We’ll only contact you using the details you’ve already shared with us, like your email or mobile number.

Our messages will:

  • address you by your full name (title, first name and last name)
  • link only to secure Reading Borough Council websites

You can’t reply to these messages, they’re for information only.

If you ever receive a message about Council Tax that doesn’t look or feel right, don’t click on anything. Visit our website directly or contact us to check it’s genuine.

What we’ll never do

Any emails, texts or phone messages we send you will never:

  • ask you to reply with personal or bank details
  • use threatening language
  • link to unsecure websites

Use the sections below to learn what to expect and how to check if messages are genuine.

Emails

If we send you an email, it will be sent from noreply@revenues.reading.gov.uk.

Genuine emails will:

  • include your title, first name and last name
  • contain your council tax reference number
  • link to a secure Reading Borough Council website (the link will start with https://revenues.reading.gov.uk/)

    • To view your full address, we will ask you to confirm simple details like your postcode to check your identity.

    If you enter the wrong postcode, you’ll have two more attempts. After three incorrect attempts, you won’t be able to try again for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if you enter the wrong postcode again your account will be locked. Please contact us at council.taxreply@reading.gov.uk. Include ‘locked out’ and your Council Tax number in the subject.

    We’ll never:

  • ask you to reply with personal or bank details
  • ask for your bank information in an email
  • use threatening language

    • If you’re unsure, forward the email to council.taxreply@reading.gov.uk. Include your 8-digit Council Tax reference number in the subject line.

    Texts

    If we send you a text, it will be sent from ReadingBC.

    Genuine texts will:

  • include your title, first name and last name
  • contain a link to a secure Reading Borough Council website (starting with https://revenues.reading.gov.uk/t/ followed by a unique code)

    • We may ask you to confirm simple details like your postcode to check your identity.

    If you enter the correct postcode, you’ll receive another text with options such as:

  • making a payment
  • setting up a direct debit
  • finding support options

    • If you enter the wrong postcode, you’ll have two more attempts. After three incorrect attempts, you won’t be able to try again for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if you enter the wrong postcode again your account will be locked. Please contact us at council.taxreply@reading.gov.uk. Include ‘locked out’ and your Council Tax number in the subject.

    We’ll never:

  • ask you to reply with personal or bank details
  • ask for your bank information in a text
  • use threatening language

    • If you’re unsure, you can email us at council.taxreply@reading.gov.uk. Include your 8-digit Council Tax reference number in the subject line.

    Automated phone calls

    If we call you, it will be from 0118 937 3727 – our Council Tax helpline number.

    Genuine calls will:

  • confirm your title, first name and last name
  • clearly explain why we’re contacting you
  • provide options for next steps

    • We’ll never:

  • ask you to give bank details over the phone
  • ask you to press keys to provide personal or bank information
  • use threatening language

    • If you’re unsure or miss a call, you can call us directly on 0118 937 3727

    Last updated on 08/05/2025