Challenge your Council Tax band
After you make a challenge
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will confirm they’ve got your challenge. This is usually within a few days, but can sometimes take up to 28 days.
They’ll review your challenge and make a decision. This can take up to 4 months.
If the VOA needs more information they’ll contact you.
When they’ve finished the review, they’ll do one of the following:
- change your Council Tax band - your local council will revise your bill and adjust your payments
- remove your property from the Council Tax list - check what happens after a property has been removed
- 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