Appeal a Council Tax bill or fine
Appeal a bill
Tell your council immediately if you think:
- your home should not be charged Council Tax
- the bills are being sent to the wrong person for your home
- the amount being charged is wrong
- the council has not reduced the bill even though you think you should be getting a discount or exemption
You cannot appeal just because you think your Council Tax bill is too expensive.
Contact the Valuation Office Agency to challenge your Council Tax band.
How to appeal your bill
Write to your council, saying why you think your bill is wrong.
The council will decide that the bill is either:
- wrong and send you a new one
- right and explain why
If the council decides your bill is wrong, you must continue to pay the amounts listed in your original bill until the new bill arrives.
The council has 2 months to reply.
If you disagree with the council’s decision
If you think the council’s decision is wrong, or you do not hear back within 2 months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
The Valuation Tribunal is independent of the VOA. It’s a free service but you have to pay for your own costs.
You must appeal within:
- 2 months of the council telling you its decision
- 4 months of you first writing to the council (if you have not had a response)
You may be able to submit a late appeal if you cannot apply in time because of circumstances beyond your control.
If the tribunal agrees with you, the council will update your bill and adjust your monthly payments.
Get help
The Valuation Tribunal has guidance on how appeal hearings work.
You can also contact the tribunal for help.
Valuation Tribunal
appeals@valuationtribunal.gov.uk
Telephone: 0303 445 8100
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