Council Tax Bands in
Dorset
Dorset has a population of 378,508 in the South West region. An estimated 11,355 properties may be in the wrong council tax band — check yours for free.
378,508
Population
170,329
Properties
11,355
Potential Wrong Bands
Council Tax Rates in Dorset
Dorset is located in South West, England. Most properties in Dorset fall into Band C, costing approximately £1,891 per year.
Dorset Council Tax Rates by Band
- Band A£1,418/year
- Band B£1,655/year
- Band C£1,891/year ★ Most Common
- Band D£2,128/year
- Band E£2,601/year
- Band F£3,074/year
- Band G£3,547/year
- Band H£4,256/year
Why Dorset Properties Are Often Misbanded
Council tax bands in England were set based on property values from 1 April 1991. Since then, Dorset has changed significantly. Neighbourhood regeneration, new developments, and shifting property markets mean many valuations no longer reflect reality.
With approximately 170,329 domestic properties in Dorset, and national estimates suggesting 1 in 8 are misbanded, around 11,355 homes could be paying the wrong amount. If you're one of them, you could claim a refund backdated to 1993 — potentially worth thousands of pounds.
🔍 Check Your Council Tax Band Now
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average council tax in Dorset? expand_more
The average Band D council tax in Dorset is approximately £2,128 per year. Most properties are in Band C, costing around £1,891 annually. Actual amounts vary based on local authority precepts and parish charges.
How do I appeal my council tax band in Dorset? expand_more
To appeal your council tax band in Dorset, first use our free checker to compare your band with neighbours. If you find evidence of misbanding, you can challenge your band with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) online. The process is free and typically takes 2-4 months. Read our full appeal guide →
How many properties in Dorset are in the wrong band? expand_more
Based on national estimates, approximately 1 in 8 UK properties are in the wrong council tax band. For Dorset, with around 170,329 properties, this means roughly 11,355 homes could be misbanded. Many of these homeowners are overpaying and could be entitled to refunds.
Can I get a council tax refund in Dorset? expand_more
Yes. If your property in Dorset is found to be in a band that's too high, you can receive a refund backdated to when the error occurred — potentially back to 1993. Depending on how many bands you drop, refunds can be worth £1,000 to £5,000 or more. Read our refunds guide →