Getting a rates refund

Reasons for a rates refund

You might be entitled to a refund for different reasons. For example, if you paid full rates early and during the same rating year:

• you sold the property
• you moved to a different rented property
• you’re eligible for rate relief to help pay your rates
• you paid more than the rates due
• your rates assessment reduced because your property valuation decreased

Getting help to pay your rates

You could get a rates refund if you paid rates while awaiting a decision about an application for:

• Rate Rebate
• Housing Benefit and Rate Relief
• Disabled Person’s Allowance
• Lone Pensioner Allowance
• Rating of Empty Home exclusions

Reporting a change in circumstances

You don’t apply for a rates refund but you need to tell LPS about any changes that could affect your rates assessment.

If you receive Housing Benefit and Rate Relief, you’ll need to tell LPS if your circumstances change.

• Change of circumstances and suitable evidence

If you get Rate Rebate, you’ll need to tell LPS about changes in your circumstances:

• Report a change in circumstances for Rate Rebate

If your home address changes, you can report the change online.

• Create or update your rate account

How a refund is paid

If you pay your rates by Direct Debit, you will usually get the refund paid direct to your bank account.

If you do not pay by Direct Debit you will receive a refund cheque. LPS will send the cheque to the address where you paid the rate bill. If you’ve moved and give LPS your new address, they’ll send the refund to the new address.

You can ask LPS to transfer the amount they owe you to the rate bill for your new address. You can do this online.

• Create or update your rate account

If you need more information about getting a refund or to change how your refund is paid, contact LPS:

• telephone 0300 200 7801

More useful links

• Rate Rebate Scheme for people on Universal Credit
• Pay your rates online
• Set up a Direct Debit online for rates