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If you think your Council Tax bill is wrong tell your council immediately. Make sure you keep paying the bill unless you have made other arrangements with them. If you disagree with any decision your council makes you can appeal to a 'Valuation Tribunal'. If you think your Council Tax band is wrong contact the Valuation Office Agency.
You can appeal against the council's decision if you think:
As a first step you should write to your council giving reasons why you think your bill is wrong. When you write, include your name and address and say which decisions you don't agree with. The council can ask you for more information so it can make a decision.
The council may either decide:
If you think the council's decision is wrong or if you don't hear anything from the council within two months of writing to them, you can appeal to your local 'Valuation Tribunal' (an independent organisation that deals with Council Tax appeals). There are time limits for appealing to the Tribunal. These are:
If you do decide to appeal against the council's decision, they will give you the address of your local Tribunal.
You have to make your appeal in writing. Your letter to the Tribunal should explain what decision you're appealing against and why you disagree with it. If you're appealing because the council hasn't made a decision, you should tell the Tribunal that this is the reason for your appeal.
It may be possible for you and the council to explain your cases to the Tribunal in writing instead of having to attend a hearing. Otherwise, the Tribunal will get in touch with you to arrange a formal hearing and send you a leaflet explaining the procedures for the hearing. Hearings don't usually last more than a day and it won't cost you anything unless you decide to employ someone like a solicitor to present your case.
If the Tribunal agrees with you, the council will revise your bill and adjust your monthly payments.
You'll find information about appealing against your Council Tax bill in sections 30 to 32 of the leaflet 'Council Tax - a guide to your bill'.
You can also get free independent advice about appealing against your Council Tax bill from your local Citizen's Advice Bureau.
If you think your Council Tax valuation band is wrong, you need to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
To find out more, read the the leaflet ‘Council Tax - a guide to valuation banding and appeals’ and/or visit the VOA website below.
