Council Tax funds important local services, however billing problems occur. You are entitled to dispute your bill under statute if you perceive it as inaccurate. There are common reasons as to why individuals would want to appeal, this may be because you have received a bill that is addressed to someone else. Prior to appealing, you may first wish to enquire by email to see if your local authority can support you. However, there are tight rules and time constraints in some instances, therefore it is necessary to take action quickly and to comply with the appropriate procedures.
Billing decisions are made by the council, and as a result, you should reach out to the council and explain why you believe your bill is incorrect. The council will then decide whether the bill is incorrect and send you an alternative one, or that your bill is correct and explain the reasons why. Additionally, taxpayers must provide documents that identify their exact reasons for challenging the bill in addition to their Council Tax reference number. If the council find your bill incorrect, you are obliged to pay whatever was specified on your prior tax bill until the replacement bill arrives.
The council has two months to make a decision and reply.[1] If you believe the council decision is wrong or do not receive a response within two months, you are entitled to file an appeal with the Valuation Tribunal.[2] The Valuation Tribunal functions independently of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It’s a service that is free, but you are responsible for your own fees. You have to submit an appeal within two months of the council’s decisions, and four months after you initially wrote to the council. Moreover, if conditions outside of your control hinder you from applying on schedule, you may still be entitled to file a late appeal. If the tribunal agree with your appeal, the council shall modify your bill and amend your monthly payments. Appeals to the local council, VOA and the Valuation Tribunal can be filed with no representation and are completely free if charge, so taxpayers ought to be conscious that whilst professional guidance can be beneficial in complicated matters, it is not necessary in the case that this blog discusses. You are also able to contact the tribunal for any help contact appeals@valuationtribunal.gov.uk. You do not have to pay your fine until your appeal is decided. If you’re appealing a notice, you need to pay Council Tax from the date on the notice.[3]
Always check your local authority’s rules and guidance on council tax as each local authority is different.
Challenging council tax banding
Perhaps you have discovered that you paying more than your neighbours who live in similar properties and you wish to challenge your council tax band.
If you wish to challenge your council tax band, the government’s website provides helpful information that may assist. You can even submit a challenge online using the government’s online service, but remember that you will need evidence in support of your contention that your property’s band is incorrect/too high. Do bear in mind that there is a risk that your band could be changed to a higher band, ultimately increasing your council tax charges.
Challenge your Council Tax band: Overview - GOV.UK
[1] https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals
[2] https://valuationtribunal.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals/
[3] https://www.gov.uk/council-tax-appeals/print
