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Council Tax Bands: How to Check If You're Overpaying (And How to Challenge)
Thousands of UK households could be overpaying their council tax due to incorrect property bands. In fact, MoneySavingExpert reports that over £100 million has been refunded to people who successfully challenged their council tax bands. Even better, if you discover you're in the wrong band, you could get a refund dating back to when you moved into the property.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to check your band and challenge if necessary.
- Will your council tax challenge succeed?
- How to check if you're in the wrong band
- Build your case
- How to submit a challenge
- Avoid these mistakes
Odds of Success for Council Tax Challenge
What are the odds that you'll be successful with your council tax challenge? And perhaps more importantly, what are the chances your council tax will increase if you challenge? It depends on the type of challenge (band review, proposal or appeal)—some are more likely to succeed than others.
Band reviews have the highest odds of success. NimbleFins analysis of data from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) shows that out of 13,270 band reviews submitted in the year ending March 2024, around 37% were successful, resulting in a decrease of council tax for 4,960 homes. In 62% of cases, the council tax remained the same; the council tax increased in just 0.07% of cases.
Proposals have lower odds of success. Out of 27,230 proposals submitted in 2024, around 17% were successful, resulting in lower council tax. Around 53% were unchanged; 0.08% resulted in higher council tax.
Appeals were successful 27% of the time and unchanged 60% of the time.
Each year, there are also challenges that remain outstanding, accounting for the missing figures if you tally the numbers up.
| Outcomes of Council Tax Challenges in England and Wales, 2024 | Number Submitted | Increased | Decreased | Unchanged |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proposals | 27,130 | 20 | 4,630 | 16,860 |
| Band reviews | 13,270 | 10 | 4,960 | 7,030 |
| Appeals | 3,420 | - | 930 | 2,040 |
| Total | 43,820 | 30 | 10,530 | 25,930 |
Why Are So Many Properties in the Wrong Band?
The current council tax system was rushed into place in 1991, when assessors often valued properties by doing quick "second gear" valuations—literally driving by homes to assign bands. In just three months, they had to value every property in the country.
This rushed process, combined with outdated property values, means many homes are sitting in the wrong council tax bands over 30 years later.
How to Check If You're in the Wrong Band
Before launching a challenge, you need to gather evidence. Here's your step-by-step process:
Step 1: The Neighbour Check
First, check if you're paying more than your neighbours for similar properties:
- Go to the official government website (VOA for England and Wales)
- Enter your postcode
- Compare your band with similar neighbouring properties
- Look specifically at homes of the same size and style that were built around the same time
Important: Your neighbours paying less doesn't automatically mean you're in the wrong band—they could be in the wrong band too.
Step 2: The Valuation Check
Next, estimate what your property was worth in 1991 (when the council tax bands were set):
- Find out your property's current value or its price when you bought it
- Use the Nationwide house price calculator to work out the 1991 value
- Compare this value with the council tax band ranges:
- Band A: Up to £40,000
- Band B: £40,001 - £52,000
- Band C: £52,001 - £68,000
- Band D: £68,001 - £88,000
- Band E: £88,001 - £120,000
- Band F: £120,001 - £160,000
- Band G: £160,001 - £320,000
- Band H: Over £320,000
Building Your Case
If these checks suggest you're in the wrong band, you have two alternate ways of challenging:
- Band Review: a request made to the VOA (Valuation Office Agency) to check if your property is in the correct council tax band. This is appropriate when you think there was a mistake in your original banding, for example if similar properties nearby are in a different band.
- Proposal: a more formal challenge to your council tax band. You can make a proposal if you've had major changes to your property (like part of it being demolished) or if there have been significant changes to the local area that affect your property's value. You need to provide detailed evidence to support a proposal.
The evidence used to support a proposal can include:
- Property sale prices from 1991 (if available)
- Sale prices of similar properties in your area from around 1991
- Current property values and their calculated 1991 equivalents
- Photos showing your property is similar to neighbours in lower bands
- Any evidence of significant changes to the property since 1991
How to Challenge
Before you challenge, be aware that the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) can also increase your band if they think you're in too low a band. However, this is rare when you have good evidence.
To make your challenge:
- Contact the VOA (England and Wales) through their official website
- Explain why you think your band is wrong
- Provide your evidence
- Include your property details and personal contact information
The VOA typically responds within two months. If they agree your band is wrong, they'll correct it and you'll receive a refund for overpayments dating back to when you moved in.
Success Story: Sarah from Manchester
Sarah Thompson challenged her band after discovering her semi-detached house was in Band D while identical neighbouring properties were in Band C. "I gathered evidence showing my house was the same size and style as my neighbours', and calculated its likely 1991 value," she says. "The VOA agreed to lower my band, and I received a £2,400 refund for the past four years of overpayments."
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Challenging Your Council Tax Band
1. Relying Solely on Neighbour Comparisons
Don't challenge just because your neighbours pay less. Their properties might have significant differences you can't see, such as:
- Internal structural changes
- Different number of bedrooms or extensions
- Historical property alterations
- They might actually be in the wrong band themselves, and using their band as evidence could backfire
2. Not Understanding the Risks
Before challenging your band, understand that the VOA can:
- Investigate your whole street's banding
- Increase your band if they find you're too low
- Leave you stuck with an unsuccessful challenge for years
- Share information with other government departments
3. Insufficient Evidence Collection
Many challenges fail because people don't gather enough proof. Avoid submitting:
- Just a list of neighbour's bands without supporting evidence
- Current property values without 1991 calculations
- Vague statements about property similarities
- Screenshots without official documentation
- Estate agent valuations alone
4. Poor Timing of Your Challenge
Avoid these timing mistakes:
- Challenging right before moving house
- Challenging during property renovations
- Not checking how long you've lived there (affects refund amounts)
- Waiting too long after discovering potential discrepancies
5. Not Checking Other Savings First
Before challenging, verify if you qualify for:
- Single person discount
- Student status exemption
- Empty property relief
- Disability reduction scheme These might save you more money with less risk than a band challenge.
6. Making Technical Errors
Common procedural mistakes include:
- Using incorrect forms or submission methods
- Missing deadlines
- Not following up on correspondence
- Failing to keep copies of all submitted evidence
- Not getting proof of submission
7. Overestimating Refund Amounts
Be realistic about potential savings:
- Refunds only date back to when you moved in
- Any owing council tax will be deducted
- Processing can take several months
- You might only drop one band, not several
8. Not Considering Property Changes
People often forget to factor in:
- Extensions or conversions since 1991
- Demolition of original features
- Split or merged properties
- Change of use (e.g., partial business use)
9. Going About It Alone When You Need Help
Don't hesitate to seek assistance if:
- Your case is complex
- You're unsure about calculations
- There's significant money at stake
- You've had previous failed challenges
10. Making Your Challenge Too Emotional
Avoid:
- Writing angry or demanding letters
- Making accusations about unfairness
- Comparing with properties that aren't truly similar
- Mentioning financial hardship (irrelevant to banding)
Additional Ways to Reduce Your Council Tax
While checking your band, don't forget these other potential savings:
- Single Person Discount (25% off if you live alone)
- Student Status (full exemption for all-student households)
- Disability Reduction Scheme
- Support for those on low incomes
- Empty property discounts
Need Help?
If you're unsure about any part of the process, you can:
- Contact your local council for guidance
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice
- Use the VOA's official helpline
- Consult a property valuation expert
Remember: Always check your facts carefully before challenging. While thousands have successfully claimed refunds, you need solid evidence to support your case.