Council Tax Bands

[counciltaxquandary]

I've just found out a house a few doors up from ours (comparable to ours) is paying a band lower council tax than us.

Anyone know how I get the council to check the band we are on? Also, if they do, can it cause repercussions? Cheers

I've never done it but you can challenge the banding with the council. I suppose there is the risk that they'll put up the band for the neighbours rather than lower yours. If there are more similar homes in the area, it'd be worth comparing the bands with them to see which one is the prevalent one.

V useful article www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/council-tax-bands-change

Have a look on the VOA website (Valuation office) before you start anything. Check to see what other properties similar to yours are listed as. They band it the Council produce the bills.

As above there have been cases where someone disputes theirs and the entire street goes up a band. I used to work in Council Tax.

Is their house identical to yours? Sometimes the slightest thing can increase the band up.

I did this in my old property as it was semi detached when built and was made in to a terrace when the house next door was built. It was only a form to fill in and we got confirmation of the band lowering a few months later. All the information should be on your local council website.

We did this in our previous property. They just used to drive past and decide your case if close to the threshold. All our neighbours paid more council tax because they failed to challenge within the time frame. Probably worked in our favour when selling as I highlighted lower overheads for same property.