Council tax rate: What council tax band am I? How to check

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Every local authority in England sets its own Council Tax rates. But the amount you pay in Council Tax is determined by property bands, and the band your property falls into is based on a number of factors.

How to check your Council Tax band

Council Tax bands are usually alphabetical from A to H, with H being the highest band.

You can check what property band you are in via the Government website here. 

You’ll need to enter your postcode and find your property on the Council Tax valuation list.

How much Council Tax will you pay?

Once you know what Council Tax band your property is in, you can find out how much your Council Tax bill is likely to be.

Your local council website will be able to tell you how much you’ll pay annually for your property band.

You can find your local council via the Government finder here. 

How can you pay less Council Tax?

Some people may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction, where up to 100 percent of your Council Tax bill could be reduced.

Every local council runs its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so get in touch with your local council if you think you could be eligible.

You may be eligible for a Council Tax Reduction if you have a low income or are on benefits.

You may also be able to get a discount on Council Tax if you are a full-time student or have a disability.

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Can you challenge your Council Tax band?

Council Tax bands are based on how much a property was worth on April 1, 1991 in England and Scotland.

If you can provide evidence your Council Tax band is wrong, you may be able to challenge it.

You can challenge your Council Tax band if you have been paying Council Tax for your property for less than six months.

In certain circumstances, you can challenge your Council Tax band if you’ve been making payments for more than six months.

If you want to challenge your Council Tax band, you need to get in contact with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

The Government website explains: “Email the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to explain why you think your band is wrong.

“You must be able to provide evidence that supports your opinion.

“The VOA may be able to review and change your band without you needing to challenge it.”

You can then formally challenge your Council Tax band if you do not agree with the VOA’s decision.

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