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Help! I've overpaid my council tax... by six grand!
jbreckmckye
Posts: 241 Forumite
I'm not sure if this is the right subforum, but I can't see anywhere for council tax questions in particular.
Paying my council tax to Newham Council online, it looks like I've made a mistake. Their form asks us to enter values in pounds and pence (in my case, "£63.00"). But I've missed the dot, I think, and I've just found out I've paid the council £6300.
What do I do? I've phoned up the council and placed a refund request with an automated system, but I still have worries.
Firstly, is the council obliged to give me my money back, or will I have to fight for it? I don't have a clue where I'd start getting legal advice, and I don't think I have the resources for a fight in court. I'm really worried I might not get my money back.
Secondly, the automated system said I'll only get confirmation of my request in the next ten working days, and that any repayments could take up to 21 days to arrive. That's at least five weeks, and I'm not sure I can wait that long. Does anyone know how long these requests take to process? I'm worried that I could have to wait the best part of two months to get my money back.
Would appreciate any advice, as I'm really concerned about this.
Paying my council tax to Newham Council online, it looks like I've made a mistake. Their form asks us to enter values in pounds and pence (in my case, "£63.00"). But I've missed the dot, I think, and I've just found out I've paid the council £6300.
What do I do? I've phoned up the council and placed a refund request with an automated system, but I still have worries.
Firstly, is the council obliged to give me my money back, or will I have to fight for it? I don't have a clue where I'd start getting legal advice, and I don't think I have the resources for a fight in court. I'm really worried I might not get my money back.
Secondly, the automated system said I'll only get confirmation of my request in the next ten working days, and that any repayments could take up to 21 days to arrive. That's at least five weeks, and I'm not sure I can wait that long. Does anyone know how long these requests take to process? I'm worried that I could have to wait the best part of two months to get my money back.
Would appreciate any advice, as I'm really concerned about this.
0
Comments
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Unless you owe them money and have no agreement you'll get your money back. It will take some time though. Call them on Monday and get the ball rolling.0
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Thanks, Mara - have you been in a similar situation yourself?
I can probably survive without the money for a little while, as I've (thankfully) always kept some savings in an "emergency" account. I guess this is why.
I think I'm sticking to payment by cheque in future, though.0 -
We accidentally overpaid last year and they sent a letter almost straight away and the cheque a few days after that. It was considerably less than you've overpaid though!
I'd either call them or go in to your local office ASAP.0 -
TBH for that amount its obvious you have overpaid then there should be no problem - Ive seen quite a few similar cases over the years.
Call then up on Monday.I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.0
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