What is my council tax band?
Quick answer
You can check your council tax band for free on GOV.UK (for England and Wales) by entering your postcode at gov.uk/council-tax-bands. In Scotland, use the Scottish Assessors website. Your band is a letter from A to H (A to I in Wales) based on your property’s value at a fixed past date.
Where to check
| Country | Where to look | Bands |
|---|---|---|
| England | GOV.UK band checker | A–H |
| Wales | GOV.UK band checker | A–I |
| Scotland | Scottish Assessors (saa.gov.uk) | A–H |
| Northern Ireland | No council tax; homes pay domestic rates instead | — |
Checking is free. Be wary of websites that charge to check or challenge your band.
Band values in England
Bands in England are based on what a home would have sold for on 1 April 1991, not what it’s worth today:
| Band | Value on 1 April 1991 |
|---|---|
| A | Up to £40,000 |
| B | £40,001 – £52,000 |
| C | £52,001 – £68,000 |
| D | £68,001 – £88,000 |
| E | £88,001 – £120,000 |
| F | £120,001 – £160,000 |
| G | £160,001 – £320,000 |
| H | More than £320,000 |
In Wales, bands are based on values on 1 April 2003, with nine bands. Scotland also uses 1991 values, with different thresholds.
How much will I pay?
Your band only sets the ratio. The actual bill depends on your local council’s rate, which changes every April. Your council’s website lists the yearly charge for each band. Discounts are available in some cases, for example 25% off if you live alone.
Think your band is wrong?
In England and Wales, you can ask the Valuation Office Agency to review it, for example if similar homes on your street are in a lower band. Be careful: a review can also move your band up. In Scotland, contact your local assessor.
This is general information, not tax advice. Rules and rates change, so check GOV.UK and your council for current details. Moving house? Here’s how to find out how much something is worth.
Sources
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