Council Tax Refund
Millions of UK homes are in the wrong council tax band. You could also be owed money if you qualify for discounts or exemptions.
400k+
Homes in wrong band
25%
Single person discount
£1,000+
Potential backdated refund
Single Person Discount (25% Off)
If you are the only adult living in your property, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax. This is one of the most commonly missed discounts in the UK.
Who counts as an adult?
- - Anyone aged 18 or over usually counts
- Disregarded: Full-time students, student nurses, apprentices, youth training trainees
- Disregarded: People with severe mental impairment
- Disregarded: 18/19-year-olds still in education
- Disregarded: Care workers earning under £44/week
- Disregarded: Diplomats and members of visiting forces
Backdating: If you should have been getting this discount but did not apply, your council may backdate the discount. Contact them with evidence of your living situation.
Council Tax Bands (Based on 1991 Property Values)
| Band | England | Wales (2003 values) | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 | Up to £44,000 | Up to £27,000 |
| B | £40,001-£52,000 | £44,001-£65,000 | £27,001-£35,000 |
| C | £52,001-£68,000 | £65,001-£91,000 | £35,001-£45,000 |
| D | £68,001-£88,000 | £91,001-£123,000 | £45,001-£58,000 |
| E | £88,001-£120,000 | £123,001-£162,000 | £58,001-£80,000 |
| F | £120,001-£160,000 | £162,001-£223,000 | £80,001-£106,000 |
| G | £160,001-£320,000 | £223,001-£324,000 | £106,001-£212,000 |
| H | Over £320,000 | Over £324,000 | Over £212,000 |
How to Check Your Council Tax Band
Check your current band
Visit the VOA (Valuation Office Agency) website and search by your postcode. Your band is based on what your property would have sold for on 1 April 1991 (England/Scotland) or 1 April 2003 (Wales).
Compare with neighbours
Use the VOA website to check the bands of similar properties on your street. If comparable homes are in a lower band, you may have a case.
Check recent sales
Look at recent sale prices for your property or similar ones. Work backwards to estimate the 1991 value. Various online tools can help with this.
Challenge your band
If you believe your band is wrong, contact the VOA to request a review. This is free. Be aware: your band could go up as well as down.
Empty Property & Other Exemptions
Empty and unfurnished
Some councils offer a discount for properties that are empty and substantially unfurnished (typically for the first few months). Rules vary by council.
Occupied only by students
Properties where everyone is a full-time student are exempt from council tax entirely.
Severe mental impairment
People with certain conditions (e.g. dementia, severe learning disabilities) can be disregarded for council tax purposes. If you live alone with this condition, your property may be exempt.
Armed forces
Properties left empty because the owner is in the armed forces may be exempt.
Annexe discount
If your property has a self-contained annexe occupied by a family member, you may qualify for a discount.
Appeal Process
If the VOA rejects your challenge or you disagree with a council decision on discounts/exemptions:
- 1. Band challenges: Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal (England) or equivalent body. This is free and independent.
- 2. Discount/exemption disputes: Write to the council first. If rejected, appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
- 3. Billing disputes: If you believe your bill is wrong (e.g. you have been overcharged), contact the council in writing with evidence.
Check All Your Claims
Council tax is just one type of claim. Check what else you might be owed.
Check All Claims