A QUICK check could reveal whether you’re paying too much on an essential household bill and due a refund.
Council tax has gone up for millions across the UK this month piling pressure on families.
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But there is one quick check which could reveal whether you are paying too much on the bill.
Houses are in council tax bands based on the value of the property and determine how much you pay each month.
But the valuations were done based on prices from decades ago, so in some cases are incorrect.
If you find out you are in the wrong council tax band, you can put in a challenge with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) which may correct it.
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Not only will it correct what you pay moving forward, you will get a refund on the overpayments made since you moved into the property.
Combined, it might be worth thousands of pounds which could come in more than handy.
The VOA recently said it expects to see more than 10,000 more council tax band challenges than usual over the next three months.
If you think you’re paying too much for your council tax, now might be the best time to do something about it.
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Bear in mind though, you may challenge your council tax band and find out you are paying too little, which would see the bill rise.
It could also see your neighbours council tax rise as well.
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How to check if you’re in the wrong band
If you live in England or Wales, you can check your council tax band on the gov.uk website.
Just enter your postcode and it will bring up your council tax band as well as everyone else’s on your street.
If you live in a similar type of property as your neighbours but you’re in a higher council tax band, this could indicate that you’re in the wrong band.
What council tax support is available?
THERE are several ways you can get discounts and reductions on your council tax bill.
In some cases, you can even get the bill completely wiped with a council tax reduction.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, bank statements, a recent payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the details.
Below, we reveal all the ways you can get discounts or a reduction on your bill:
Single person discount
If you live on your own, you can get 25% off your council tax bill.
This also applies if there is one adult and one student living together in a property, or if there is one adult and one person classed as severely mentally impaired in the home.
If you live with someone who doesn’t have to pay council tax, such as a carer or someone who is severely mentally impaired, you could get a larger reduction too, of up to 50%.
And, if you live in an all-student household, you could get a 100% discount.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low-income households
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
Whether you are eligible will vary depending on where you live.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
In Scotland, you can check via the Scottish Assessors Association.
Another thing you need to check is how much your property was worth when the council tax bands came in.
The MoneySavingExpert website has an online calculator tool you can use.
Bear in mind, property valuations were done at different times for households in Wales versus England and Scotland.
Council tax bands are based on how much a property was worth on April 1, 1991, for England and Scotland.
In Wales, they are based on prices on April 1, 2003.
How to challenge your council tax band
You can challenge your band through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) in England and Wales or the Scottish Assessors Association (SAA) in Scotland.
Gather together evidence showing you’re paying more – this could be having addresses of similar properties to yours in a lower band, for example.
If the VOA agrees that your property is in the wrong band, it will contact you to let you know it will be changed.
If you disagree with the VOA’s ruling, you can appeal your case – but only if you’ve been told that you can when you get the decision.
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You must appeal within three months of your decision – to do this, get in touch with the Valuation Tribunal Service.
If the Valuation Tribunal agrees with you, it will get the VOA to change your band – and your bill will change.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
