Council tax appeals
The Valuation Tribunal handles 6 types of council tax appeals, listed below.
If you are unsure which type of appeal is yours, the information below should help.
The 6 appeal types
For each appeal type we explain the process in simple step by step guide.
Please take time to familiarise yourself with the process before starting an appeal.
Council tax banding
Council tax bands are used to work out how much council tax you pay. The Valuation Office Agency set the bands. If you are unhappy with their decision not to change your band, you may be able to appeal.
Council tax liability
Council tax is collected by your local council. They decide who is liable to pay council tax and if any discounts or exemptions should apply. If you are unhappy with your council’s decision, you may be able to appeal.
Council tax reduction
People on low income can have their bill cut by claiming council tax reduction from their local council. If you are unhappy with your council’s decision, you may be able to appeal.
Council tax completion notice
Completion notices are sent by your local council. They specify the date a new or altered property should appear in the valuation list from. If you believe the date used is wrong, you may be able to appeal.
Invalidity notice
Invalidity notices are sent by the Valuation Office Agency. It sets out why they think the process to challenge your council tax band has not been followed correctly. If you believe they are wrong, you may be able to appeal.
Council tax penalty notice
Councils can issue penalties to council tax payers who have given false information or who have not given information requested. If you have received a penalty notice and believe it was issued incorrectly, you may be able to appeal.
We cannot deal with payment disputes between council tax payers and their council. These disputes are dealt with by magistrates’ courts. You should speak to your council if you are struggling to pay or have a payment dispute with them.
Current appeal timeframes
Current timeframes from appeal form submission to decision
- 1 Council tax banding 9 months
- 2 Council tax liability 9 months
- 3 Council tax reduction 9 months
- 4 Completion notice 9 months
- 5 Invalidity notice 9 months
- 6 Penalty notice 9 months