Glossary

Backdated refund

Council tax refunded for the years you overpaid before a successful band challenge.

Successful band challenges are backdated to the effective date — usually your move-in date. If you've lived at a Band E property for 8 years and it drops to Band D, you're refunded the difference for all 8 years. There's no time limit on how far back a refund can go; it depends when the error started applying to you.

Related terms

Effective date
The date a band change takes effect — usually the date you moved in, not the date the VOA agrees.
Billing authority
The council that issues your council tax bill and collects the money — usually your district or unitary council.

Check your own band

The fastest way to see if your band is wrong is the neighbours test. Enter your postcode and compare every band on your street.

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