Challenge your Council Tax band

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After you make a challenge

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will usually let you know they’ve received your challenge within a few days. It can take up to 28 days if they need to check there’s enough evidence to review your challenge.

If the VOA need more information about your challenge they will contact you.

It can then take up to 2 months to review your challenge. Once they’ve done this, they’ll either:

  • change your Council Tax band - your local council will revise your bill and adjust your payments
  • tell you why your band cannot be changed

If you disagree with the decision

You can appeal the decision in some cases. You’ll be told if you can appeal and how to do this when you get your decision.

If there’s been a change that affects your property

You have the right to appeal the decision of the VOA.

If you think your property is in the wrong band

You can only appeal the decision of the VOA if either:

  • you’ve been in your property and paying Council Tax for less than 6 months
  • your band has changed in the last 6 months

When you need to appeal

If you can appeal, you normally need to do this within 3 months of getting the decision.

You may be able to get the time limit extended in some circumstances. You’ll need to explain why you need an extension on the appeal form.

How to appeal a decision

In England, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. The Valuation Tribunal is independent of the VOA. It’s free, but you have to pay your own costs.

If the tribunal agrees with you, the VOA will change your band and the council will update your bill.

If you’re in Wales, send it to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales.

Get help

The Valuation Tribunal has guidance on:

You can also contact the tribunal for help.

Valuation Tribunal
Telephone: 0300 123 2035
Find out about call charges