A MARTIN Lewis fan has revealed how they bagged a £8,400 cash boost from a bill refund after following a handy tip.
It comes after the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com urged households to make sure that they are in the right Council Tax band.
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The Martin Lewis fan, called Jennifer, wrote to MSE to share her refund success.
She said: “We have two neighbours who have the same house as us – but were in a lower band.
“Contacted the Valuation Office Agency, who were very helpful, and today we received a payment of £8,419.”
It comes as data from the Taxpayer’s Alliance revealed the average annual band D council tax bill has increased by 79% in the 30 years since 1993.
Some council’s hiked bills by as much as 15% year-on-year in 2023.
The amount of Council Tax you pay is determined by your local council and depends on which “band” the property you live in falls under.
Your home’s band is based on its value – the more expensive the property, the more council tax will be charged.
You can challenge your council tax band if you think it’s incorrect.
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If it is, not only will you pay less moving forward, but you can get a refund on the over payments made since you first moved into the property
How can I challenge my council tax band?
Properties across the UK are banded from A to H which dictates how much council tax you should pay.
But the bands were created based on property values back in 1991, so many households may find that they should be on a different band today.
Luckily, you can challenge your band if you think it’s wrong and recoup any money you might have overpaid.
It’s worth noting, you might be re-banded and have to pay more council tax so think before you rush into making a challenge.
You have to submit your challenge to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) if you live in England or Wales.
You can do this on the government’s website.
Alternatively, you can call the VOA on 03000 501 501 for England or 03000 505 505 for Wales or email on [email protected].
You will need some information to hand when it comes to making your challenge.
This includes giving addresses of up to five similar properties in a lower council tax band in your immediate area.
Plus, you will have to say what type of property you live in, its size, age and style and design.
Bear in mind, the challenging process is different if you live in Scotland.
You should go to Scottish government’s website for more information.
If you make a challenge and you are in the correct council tax band, there are other ways to get reductions if you are struggling financially.
You can get council tax reductions if you are single, elderly or on certain benefits.
More council tax support
Council tax discounts
There are a number of discounts you could get, depending on your circumstances.
Factors such as your household income, whether you have children, and if you receive any benefits, will influence what you get.
To apply for any of the below discounts, go through the government website.
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.
If you are not sure which local authority you live in, you can check the government’s council locator to find out.
Single people
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.
A full list of circumstances that exempt you from paying council tax can be found on Citizens Advice.
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 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.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
You can also join our new Sun Money Facebook group to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.
