How to appeal your council tax band
An estimated 400,000 properties in England are in the wrong council tax band. Here's how to check and challenge yours.
properties potentially in wrong band
to submit a proposal to the VOA
average saving if band is reduced
When can you appeal?
You can only appeal on specific grounds — you can't appeal simply because you think you pay too much council tax:
- You moved into the property after 1 April 1993 and believe the band is wrong
- There has been a material change of circumstances (e.g. part of the property demolished, or a road built nearby reducing the value)
- A tribunal or VOA decision for a similar nearby property resulted in a lower band
- A new band was set following a sale and you believe it is incorrect
Step-by-step guide
Check your current band
Use Council Tax Checker or the VOA's official service to confirm your current band. Note the band letter and the 1991 valuation range it represents.
Gather evidence
Find 2–3 similar nearby properties (same street or road) that are in a lower band. Estate agent records, sold prices from 1989–1993, and the VOA's own band data can all help. The burden of proof is on you.
Submit a proposal to the VOA
Use the VOA's online portal to submit a 'Check' — a formal request to review your band. This is free. You'll need to create or log in to a Government Gateway account.
Wait for the VOA's decision
The VOA will review your proposal and either agree, partially agree, or reject it. This can take several months. If they agree, your band is changed retroactively to when you moved in.
Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal
If you disagree with the VOA's decision, you have 3 months to appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal for England (VTE). The tribunal is free to use.
Before you appeal — watch out for these
- Your band can go UP as well as down — only appeal if you're confident your band is wrong
- The VOA compares your property to others in the same street, not current market values
- If you're in band A (the lowest), you cannot appeal for a lower band — but you may qualify for a Council Tax Reduction
- Once you sell, the new owner inherits whatever band results from your appeal
Official resources
Check your council tax band (VOA)
The official government service to look up and challenge your band.
Challenge your council tax band (GOV.UK)
GOV.UK guidance on how to formally challenge your band via the VOA.
Valuation Tribunal for England
The independent body that hears appeals if the VOA rejects your proposal.
Council Tax Reduction
If you're on a low income, you may qualify for a reduction regardless of your band.
Start by checking your band
Enter your postcode to see your current band, the annual charge, and whether similar properties nearby are in a lower band.