A MARTIN Lewis fan has revealed how they bagged a £8,400 money increase from a invoice refund after following a useful tip.
It comes after the founding father of MoneySavingExpert.com urged households to ensure that they’re in the fitting Council Tax band.
A Martin Lewis fan has revealed how they received £8,400 from a Council Tax refundCredit score: ITV
The Martin Lewis fan, referred to as Jennifer, wrote to MSE to share her refund success.
She mentioned: “We have now two neighbours who’ve the identical home as us – however have been in a decrease band.
“Contacted the Valuation Workplace Company, who have been very useful, and at the moment we acquired a cost of £8,419.”
It comes as information from the Taxpayer’s Alliance revealed the typical annual band D council tax invoice has elevated by 79% within the 30 years since 1993.
Some council’s hiked payments by as a lot as 15% year-on-year in 2023.
The quantity of Council Tax you pay is set by your native council and relies on which “band” the property you reside in falls underneath.
Your private home’s band relies on its worth – the dearer the property, the extra council tax will probably be charged.
You may problem your council tax band for those who assume it’s incorrect.
Whether it is, not solely will you pay much less shifting ahead, however you may get a refund on the over funds made because you first moved into the property
How can I problem my council tax band?
Properties throughout the UK are banded from A to H which dictates how a lot council tax it’s best to pay.
However the bands have been created based mostly on property values again in 1991, so many households could discover that they need to be on a unique band at the moment.
Fortunately, you may problem your band for those who assume it’s fallacious and recoup any cash you might need overpaid.
It’s value noting, you could be re-banded and must pay extra council tax so assume earlier than you rush into making a problem.
You need to submit your problem to the Valuation Workplace Company (VOA) for those who stay in England or Wales.
You are able to do this on the federal government’s web site.
Alternatively, you may name the VOA on 03000 501 501 for England or 03000 505 505 for Wales or e-mail on [email protected].
You have to some info handy with regards to making your problem.
This consists of giving addresses of as much as 5 comparable properties in a decrease council tax band in your fast space.
Plus, you’ll have to say what kind of property you reside in, its dimension, age and elegance and design.
Keep in mind, the difficult course of is completely different for those who stay in Scotland.
You need to go to Scottish authorities’s web site for extra info.
In the event you make a problem and you might be within the right council tax band, there are different methods to get reductions in case you are struggling financially.
You will get council tax reductions in case you are single, aged or on sure advantages.
Extra council tax assist
Council tax reductions
There are a selection of reductions you could possibly get, relying in your circumstances.
Elements akin to your family revenue, whether or not you could have kids, and for those who obtain any advantages, will affect what you get.
To use for any of the under reductions, undergo the authorities web site.
You’ll want your nationwide insurance coverage quantity, financial institution statements, a current payslip or letter from the Jobcentre, and a passport or driving licence when filling out the main points.
If you’re unsure which native authority you reside in, you may test the federal government’s council locator to search out out.
Single folks
In the event you stay by yourself, you may get 25% off your council tax invoice.
This additionally applies if there may be one grownup and one pupil residing collectively in a property, or if there may be one grownup and one particular person classed as severely mentally impaired within the dwelling.
In the event you stay with somebody who doesn’t must pay council tax, akin to a carer or somebody who’s severely mentally impaired, you could possibly get a bigger discount too, of as much as 50%.
And, for those who stay in an all-student family, you could possibly get a 100% low cost.
A full record of circumstances that exempt you from paying council tax may be discovered on Residents Recommendation.
Retirees
Pensioners may discover themselves eligible for a council tax discount.
In the event you obtain the Assure Credit score component of Pension Credit score, you could possibly get a 100% low cost.
If not, you could possibly nonetheless get assist you probably have a low revenue and fewer than £16,000 in financial savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will probably be entitled to a 25% low cost too.
Low-income households
If you’re on a low revenue or receiving advantages, you could possibly eligible for a discount in your council tax.
Whether or not you might be eligible will fluctuate relying on the place you reside.
You possibly can additionally get a deferral for those who’re struggling to pay your invoice, or you may communicate to your council about organising a cost plan to handle the associated fee.
However one factor to recollect is in case you are struggling it’s best to contact your council as early as you may.
Do you could have a cash drawback that wants sorting? Get in contact by emailing [email protected].
You may also be a part of our new Solar Cash Fb group to share tales and ideas and have interaction with the patron workforce and different group members.