Council Tax Appeals
How to appeal against your Council Tax bill
If you think your Council Tax bill is wrong tell us as soon as possible.
Remember you must still keep your payments up to date until your appeal is decided.
- within six months of becoming the person who pays the council tax
- if the property has been demolished
- if the property is new or has changed to become a domestic property
- if the property is now used commercially
- if a house has been converted into flats
- if more than one property have been merged
- if there are physical changes in the area that change the value of the property
- within six months of the Valuation Officer changing the band your property is in
- within six months of the local Valuation Tribunal, or Court making a band change to a property that is similar to yours
- if you’ve made alterations to the property which changes the value
- starting or stopping to use part of your property for business reasons
- we have sent the bill to the wrong person for your home
- your home should be exempt from Council Tax
- the amount of the bill is wrong, for example if you think you're entitled to a discount or we haven't reduced the bill for a disability
How to appeal
How to appeal
As a first step you should write to us giving reasons why you think your bill is wrong. When you write, include your name and address and say which decisions you don't agree with. We may ask you for more information so we can make a decision.
We may either decide:
- that the bill is wrong and send you a new one
- that the bill is right and explain why
How to appeal against your Council Tax band
If you think your Council Tax valuation band is wrong, you need to contact the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
Some companies are contacting residents and offering to do this for a fee on their behalf. Please note that you can contact the VOA direct and this service is free.
They will tell you how your Council Tax band has been worked out. They can review your band if you provide information that suggests it's wrong (eg evidence that similar properties in your street are in a different band).
If they agree your band is wrong, they'll put it right. Your council will then update your Council Tax bill.
The Valuation Officer for Surrey Heath Borough Council, Valuation Office Agency, Durham Customer Service Centre, Wycliffe House, Green Lane, Durham, DH1 3UW
You can view your property and check if you can request a review, by selecting ‘council tax’ on www.voa.gov.uk .
You can contact the VOA using https://www.gov.uk/contact-voa
You can contact the VOA at any time using https://www.gov.uk/contact-voa to find the relevant details.
If you cannot use the online service, call 03000 501 501. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Remember you must still keep your payments up to date until your appeal is decided.