Council Tax Re-banding – No Win No Fee Warning

BristolBoy

Back in the late Spring I received a visit from a company (name of the company (Money Saving xxxxxx) very similar to this website) offering to get our property re-banded on a no win no fee basis.

I had previously appealed to no avail, so thought that I couldn't lose even though they wanted 50% of refund if appeal successful.

THE WARNING! Ensure you read the small print as it may not be clear that in addition to the 50% you will be billed for VAT at 20%.

I feel very stupid & angry with myself for losing so much of what is in effect is my money to a company who probably spent half an hour of their time on my case & earned close to £3,000.

I accept that they did work on my case & require payment for that work, it is just that once you see the sums of money in the cold light of day it is heart breaking.

I am now off to take my medicine, send off a very large check before they commence legal action as payment has to be made within 7 days of the refund by the Council.

If anyone can suggest a legal way to reduce the payment I am keen to listen, negotiation does not appear to be an option!

lincroft1710

Unfortunately you agreed to 50% of your refund as their fee and if the company is registered for VAT it is legally obliged to add 20% to its fee.

I cannot see that the company is legally in the wrong. The fees were upfront, the company achieved something you apparently couldn't, so you have a gain, but smaller at 40% rather than the 50% you were expecting.

JCapirote

Surely they should advertise clearly that they have to add VAT along with telling you personally. A little bit naughty in my opinion

lincroft1710

JCapirote wrote: »

Surely they should advertise clearly that they have to add VAT along with telling you personally. A little bit naughty in my opinion

You have replied to a post that is 4 yrs old!