Council Tax Cost Cutting: reduce your band and grab any discounts Discussion Area

lincroft1710

No standard form, I'm afraid

Lifes_Grand_Plan

Hi folks,

Following my last post on this thread, I challenged my council tax band and today received the letter to confirm they accepted my challenge and were reclassifying me from Band G to Band E as I requested :D:D

The decision indicates that the change is effective from 1st April 1993. I've only lived here 2 months. Does this mean that the old owners will automatically receive a refund for the overpayments for the last 23 years? Lucky gits if they do all because of my effort :mad:

[Deleted User]

Lifes_Grand_Plan wrote: »

The decision indicates that the change is effective from 1st April 1993. I've only lived here 2 months.

Obviously you'll personally only gain for current and future Council Tax bills, not past.

Lifes_Grand_Plan

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

Obviously you'll personally only gain for current and future Council Tax bills, not past.

Yes, I understand that.

My question was whether the previous owners would get a refund too and would that be automatic or would they have to know to claim it i.e. by me prompting them?

[Deleted User]

Lifes_Grand_Plan wrote: »

My question was whether the previous owners would get a refund too

They shouldn't have to claim a refund.Nor should you have to be involved in any way.

Lifes_Grand_Plan

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

They shouldn't have to claim a refund.Nor should you have to be involved in any way.

So the council would just contact them and advise them they're due a refund of £15k?!?! Lucky sods!:eek:

lincroft1710

Lifes_Grand_Plan wrote: »

So the council would just contact them and advise them they're due a refund of £15k?!?! Lucky sods!:eek:

If the council knew where the previous owners were now living, they should contact them. However if the council have no new address they won't be able to. Also, some councils restrict the refund to 7 years. The amount to be refunded may well be less than £15,000 as Council Tax has doubled since 1993, so refund will be a lot less for earlier years.

Maxjim

How do you get around the six mo the fact that you have to appeal the council tax band within six months of being the council tax payer? I believe I have a strong case but have been knocked back based on the fact that it's not a legal claim because I've been in my property for more than six months!?!?!?

[Deleted User]

Maxjim wrote: »

How do you get around the six mo

You can't "get around" it. Why did you leave it too late?

lincroft1710

Maxjim wrote: »

How do you get around the six mo the fact that you have to appeal the council tax band within six months of being the council tax payer? I believe I have a strong case but have been knocked back based on the fact that it's not a legal claim because I've been in my property for more than six months!?!?!?

If you believe you have a strong case, contact the VOA, give them your evidence and ask them to investigate the band. As Money said, there is no way round the 6 month time limit.