council tax assessment

mrbrown

I want to appeal my council tax. Theres only 1 house near me thats similar in size and that is in the same band. However, a house a couple of doors down is a lot bigger, and he recently appealed and has been reduced to the same band Im in! Is that good grounds to ask fro a reassessment of my band?
Thanks

Island77

Hi Mr. B - Is your property in Scotland or England/Wales?? If in Scotland contact your local Assessors office and they should be able to help you. If your property is in england/wales contact the VOA (Valuation Office Agency - Statutory body covering council tax bandings).
As far as i know, you have 6 months from taking an interest in a property to appeal against the banding. But most council tax offices will be happy to listen and if a banding error has been made, it should be changed.
Council tax bands range from A-E, for example if your property is in Band A (in Scotland say) it has been valued up to 27,000 pounds AS AT 1st APRIL 1991. The date for valuation for council tax bandings is always 1st APRIL 1991, so the surveyors doing the valutions must value the property as at 1991 levels.
If possible, it is always good to be armed with sales evidence from 1991 (but its not always easy to obtain). With regard to your neighbours property being reduced, it does not automatically mean that you will get an appeal, but its worth asking.
If you dont ask you dont get.
Good luck