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 6 months for where you have a legal right to make a challenge (‘making a proposal’).
If you’ve submitted a challenge because you think your property is in the wrong band but do not have a legal right to challenge (‘band review’), this can take up to 12 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 and let your local council know - your council will revise your bill and pay any refund that’s due
- remove your property from the Council Tax list - check what happens after a property has been removed
- add your property to the Council Tax list - you’ll be given a new band
- tell you why your band cannot be changed
If you disagree with the decision
You can only appeal the decision if you had a legal right to challenge (‘make a proposal’).
In Wales, you do not need to do anything. Your challenge will be automatically sent to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales if you do not respond to the 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.
You normally need to appeal 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.
If the tribunal agrees with you, the VOA will change your band and the council will update your bill.
Get help
If you’re in England, the Valuation Tribunal has guidance on:
If you’re in Wales, the Valuation Tribunal for Wales has guidance on the appeal process.
You can also contact the tribunal for help.
Valuation Tribunal
Telephone (England): 03000 501 501
Telephone (Wales): 03000 505 505
Monday to Tuesday, 9am to 4:30pm
Wednesday, 10am to 4:30pm
Thursday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm
Find out about call charges