An appeal against a rateable value begins with a proposal to alter the rating list. The process is free of charge.

There are time limits on when you can make a proposal.

2005 lists

If we alter your 2005 rateable value then you can make a proposal within six months of us making the alteration.

2010 lists

Proposals about the 2010 rateable value can be made until 31 March 2015.

Before making a proposal, you can contact your local valuation office to discuss your rateable value and why you want to appeal against it. We may be able to resolve the matter without you needing to go down the formal procedure.

You can make a proposal online: our website will guide you through each stage of the form. Or you can download the proposal form and send it back to us.

You will need to provide a reason why you are making a proposal. Mention the reasons on the proposal, including the address and postcode of any other property you are comparing yours with.

When we′ve received your proposal we′ll acknowledge it within three working days and check if the proposal is valid. This means we′ll check that the form has been filled in correctly and that the reason is one we can accept. It does not mean that we accept that the rateable value is wrong.

If the proposal is valid, we will contact you to discuss it. We may ask to arrange a visit to the property to check we hold the right details.

• If we accept that the rateable value is wrong, we will try to agree the correct rateable value with you.
• If you accept that the rateable value is correct, we will ask you to withdraw the proposal.
• If we cannot reach any agreement, you have the opportunity for the appeal to be heard by an independent Valuation Tribunal.

You can read our full step by step help on the appeals process which details what will happen at each stage, including what you will need to do and when.