A relaxation on council tax caps, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in today's Autumn Statement, could see bills soar next year.
Previously councils could only raise council tax by 3% without a referendum.
Now, they will be able to raise them by 5% - 3% in core council tax plus 2% in social care precept.
This means average annual Band D council tax bills could reach £2,000 for the first time ever, up from £1,966.
You typically pay council tax over ten months each year, from April to January.
Here, we explain how to check your council tax band.
How to check your council tax band
If you're wondering what council tax band you're in, it's easy to find out.
Just visit gov.uk/council-tax-bands, type in your postcode and a list of properties will appear.
Click on your property and it will tell you what band it's in.
The amount you pay is based on the value of your property in 1991 for England and Scotland, when the current tax system was introduced and April 1, 2003 for Wales.
Other factors that affect your band include the home’s size, layout, character, location, and change in use if applicable.
All properties are banded on the same basis, including properties bought under schemes such as Right to Buy.
This system was never introduced in Northern Ireland, with domestic rates based on rental prices instead. There is more information on the Northern Ireland government website.
You can receive a discount if you are a student, disabled or live by yourself.
It doesn't matter if you rent or own your property you still have to pay council tax.
If you want to challenge your band you can call or email the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
Council tax bands
Council tax bands in England and Scotland with values based on 1991:
- Band A – up to £40,000
- Band B – £40,000 to £52,000
- Band C – £52,000 to £68,000
- Band D – £68,000 to £88,000
- Band E – £88,000 to £120,000
- Band F – £120,000 to £160,000
- Band G – £160,000 to £320,000
- Band H – property value over £320,000
Council tax bands in Wales based with values based on April 1, 2003
- Band A – under £44,000
- Band B – £44,001 to £65,000
- Band C – £65,001 to £91,000
- Band D – £91,001 to £123,000
- Band E – £123,001 to £162,000
- Band F – £162,001 to £223,000
- Band G – £223,001 to £324,000
- Band H – £324,001 to £424,000
- Band I – property value over £424,001
