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How to check your band
- Find your band on the GOV.UK council tax band service (England and Wales) or on the Scottish Assessors website.
- Compare with similar homes: same type, size and age, ideally on your street.
- Check the value at the right date. Bands are based on what a property was worth on 1 April 1991 in England and Scotland, and 1 April 2003 in Wales (GOV.UK).
- Weigh the risk. If similar homes nearby are in a higher band, don't challenge. Bands cover a range of values, so a neighbour in a different band doesn't always mean yours is wrong.
Who can challenge, and when
| Route | Who can use it | What to send |
|---|---|---|
| Proposal | You have paid council tax on the property for less than six months, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) changed your band in the last six months, or something physical changed locally | No evidence needed. The VOA must review it |
| Band review | You have paid for more than six months and think your band is wrong | Strong evidence, usually up to five comparable homes. The VOA only takes it forward if the evidence is strong |
Source: GOV.UK. So if you have just moved in, the six-month window matters.
How challenges turn out
Of about 39,600 challenges resolved in England and Wales in 2023/24, 27% led to a lower band, 65% to no change and under 1% to a higher one (GOV.UK statistics). Your band can go up, go down or stay the same, and the VOA may also look at neighbouring homes (GOV.UK).
Do it yourself
You can submit a challenge online, by email or by letter, so you do not need to pay an agent. Keep paying your council tax while the VOA looks at it. If you win, your council refunds any overpayment.
- A decision on a proposal can take up to 4 months. A band review can take up to 12 months.
- You can only appeal if you had a legal right to make a proposal. In England, appeal to the Valuation Tribunal within 3 months of the decision (4 months in Wales).
See the GOV.UK timescales and appeals.
Scotland
Challenges go to your local assessor, not the VOA. You can lodge a proposal within six months of becoming the owner or liable person, or within six months of a notice of banding (Scottish Assessors).
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a time limit to challenge my band?
A formal proposal is open if you have paid council tax on the property for less than six months. After that you can ask for an informal band review, which needs strong evidence.
Can my band go up if I challenge it?
Yes. GOV.UK says it can go up, down or stay the same. Under 1% of challenges resolved in 2023/24 led to a higher band, but compare your home first.
Do I need to pay a company to challenge?
No. You can send a challenge to the Valuation Office Agency yourself, online, by email or by letter.
Should I keep paying my council tax?
Yes. GOV.UK says to keep paying while the VOA reviews your band. If your band falls, your council refunds any overpayment.
What if I disagree with the decision?
If you had a legal right to make a proposal, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal. In England you have 3 months from the decision and in Wales 4 months. A band review decision can't be appealed.