Council tax is a local tax on residential property collected and distributed to other authorities within your local authority area.

Your property’s value and the number of occupants determine your rate. A discount may be given for properties where only one adult is responsible for paying the full bill.

What is council tax?

Council tax is a local property tax set by the local authority and used for funding services like rubbish collection and libraries.

The amount of council tax you pay is determined by the value of your home and a band assigned by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Each property is assessed a particular band before assessment takes place.

England and Wales feature eight bands, from A to H.

Scotland possesses nine bands, from 1 to 9.

You can determine the value of your property and how much taxation is due by using the Council Tax calculator. Additionally, this tool helps determine if you qualify for a discount or rebate.

How much does council tax cost?

Council tax is a property-based charge that helps fund local services like schools, waste collections and libraries. It’s determined locally and is set to increase by 5% in 2023-24.

The Valuation Office Agency, part of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, values all properties in the UK including rented accommodation for Council Tax purposes. Each property is assigned a band based on its value as of 1 April 1991.

There are various ways to receive discounts, such as living alone or having a low income. Discounts available depend on your local authority and individual case.

How do I pay my council tax?

Council Tax is a fee charged by your local council to fund its services. Usually, you make 10 monthly instalments towards paying this debt.

However, if you miss a payment, the council could levy an incredibly large debt. It may take them up to 12 weeks to process your missed payment.

Two weeks after missing your initial payment, the council may send you a reminder. If payments are still unpaid after this period has elapsed, recovery action could be taken against you by the council.

You can pay your bill either via direct debit or in person at post offices, banks and newsagents. Alternatively, use a barcode reference to pay at any Paypoint outlet.

Can I get a discount?

According to your circumstances, there are various discounts that may help you pay less council tax. These include discounts for single person households, disabled people and students.

A discount called the’single person discount’ will reduce your bill by 25% if you are the sole adult living in your property. However, it is essential that you inform us of any change in circumstances which could impact your entitlement within 21 days.

You may also qualify for a discount when buying a second home if you have a carer or are studying.

Property that is vacant and uninhabited will not be charged council tax for a period of 6 months, which can be extended to 12 months if the building requires repair or renovation work.

How do I appeal?

Your council tax band is determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). You have the right to request that they alter your band if you believe it to be incorrect.

You have the right to appeal against completion notices sent by your local council. These notices specify when a property should appear in your valuation list.

To appeal these decisions, you must write the council expressing your disagreement with each decision and why you believe it to be incorrect. They have two months in which to consider your appeal and notify you of their final verdict.

If you don’t receive a reply within two months or are dissatisfied with the council’s decision, you may appeal again to Valuation Tribunal Service. But remember: You must make this additional appeal within two months of notification of its decision or four months from when your original appeal was filed.