Council tax appeals

If you are unhappy with any decision concerning your council tax you may appeal. If you think you bill is wrong tell us immediately. Time limits apply so do not delay. Depending on the reason for the appeal, depends on who you appeal to. All appeals must be made in writing.

Making an appeal does not mean you can stop paying council tax. If your appeal is successful, you will be entitled to a refund of any overpaid council tax.

Appeals to Plymouth City Council

You may appeal to us if:

• you think your home should be exempt
• you think your bill should include a discount or a reduction for people with a disability
• you have received a bill but you are not the person who is liable to pay for it

Put your reasons in writing to the Council Tax Department (address in the right hand column).

We will consider your appeal and may ask you for more information to help us make a decision. We have two months to make that decision.

You can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal if at the end of two months:

• we have not made a decision
• we do not accept your argument

Appeals to a valuation tribunal

You may appeal if:

• you disagree with the date on the completion notice of a new property
• you disagree with the decision on your appeal to the council tax section
• the council tax section has not made a decision on your appeal within two months
• you disagree with the decision of your appeal to the Valuation Office

You need to put your appeal in writing to Devon Valuation Tribunal (address in the right hand column).

They will contact you to arrange a hearing and send you a leaflet explaining what to expect.

Hearings usually last up to half a day and are free. However, if you use a solicitor to present your case, you will need to pay his or her charges. Some cases can be dealt with by letter only.

If you disagree with the Valuation Tribunal’s decision, you have four weeks from the date of its decision to ask for your appeal to be looked at again or take the appeal to the High Court on a question of law.

Appeals to the Valuation Office

If you are the owner or tenant, you may appeal if:

• your home has been demolished or converted to flats
• the Valuation OfficeValuation Office has changed your band in the last six months
• physical changes in the area have affected the value of your home
• the Valuation Tribunal changed the band of a similar home in the last six months
• you have become responsible for council tax on your home within the last six months

The Valuation Office (address in the right hand column) not the Council decides which valuation band your home is placed in.

The Valuation Office will consider your appeal and make a decision. It will inform you in writing and us of its decision. If you disagree with the decision, you can appeal further to a Valuation Tribunal.

Successful appeals

If you appeal to:

• the Council Tax section
• the Valuation Office
• the Valuation Tribunal

and your reasons for your appeal are valid, the Council will make the necessary change.

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