A perplexing problem - Please help

doccer1967

I have a property that I have bought, which consists of the main property and a converted outbuilding that the previous owner would rent out on an air bnb basis (the cottage).  I have just received correspondence from the valuation agency telling me that I am required to pay council tax for it (in addition to what I pay for the house.)  The issue I have is that technically the building is valueless as one could not sell it separately, as it exists on the same plot of land that the main house is on.  When I bought the house, its value (the amount I paid) was for what was on the deeds - the cottage is not on the deeds.

I have also now got a letter from the local council telling me there is a pending banding and they can't bill me for the amount as the valuation officer has not yet set the appropriate banding. I am not sure if the thing existed in 1991, which is the date they need to apply.

I guess my query is where to go to get advice as I realise its not straightforward.

All help/pointers are appreciated

lincroft1710

I'm ex VOA and this is a very common scenario.


As the cottage is self contained and no longer being let out as an Air B& B it will now be banded as a separate dwelling, most probably at Band A. It is covered by this legislation 

The Council Tax (Chargeable Dwellings) Order 1992, Statutory Instrument No.549

The majority of "annexes" (the term used to describe such dwellings) cannot be sold separately from the main house, hence most are in Band A

doccer1967

lincroft1710 said:

I'm ex VOA and this is a very common scenario.


As the cottage is self contained and no longer being let out as an Air B& B it will now be banded as a separate dwelling, most probably at Band A. It is covered by this legislation 

The Council Tax (Chargeable Dwellings) Order 1992, Statutory Instrument No.549

The majority of "annexes" (the term used to describe such dwellings) cannot be sold separately from the main house, hence most are in Band A

Many thanks for this, as I am in Wales, is that any different? Also, it seems i am waiting for the valuation officer (I guess from the council) to tell me the band they are putting it in.  How do they do this? Do they turn up and view the place, or is it a desk-based exercise? Also is it best i directly contact the council, rather than wait and see?
again thanks 

lincroft1710

In this instance Welsh CT follows the same rules as English CT. The VOA is part of HMRC and so independent of any council. As the cottage was an Air B&B, they may already have details and may not need to visit. I understand that if they do need to visit, the current policy is that they will contact you to make an appointment.