Form T385 UK: Valuation Tribunal Appeal Guide

What this document is

Form T385 is the document used to lodge an appeal against a decision issued by the Valuation Tribunal for England. The Valuation Tribunal itself is an independent body that hears disputes about council tax banding, business rates valuations, completion notices and charitable rates relief.

When a party disagrees with the outcome of one of those hearings, the next step is to take the matter to the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber), and Form T385 is the formal route in. The form captures the names and contact details of the appellant and respondent, identifies the original decision and the property (hereditament) involved, sets out the grounds of appeal, and records whether the filing is within the statutory 28-day window.

It also asks whether expert witnesses will be called and which of the available case procedures the appellant would prefer. Supporting material, including a full statement of case, normally accompanies the form when it is submitted.

How to use this document

1. Complete the personal details section. Fill in your full name, postal address and contact information as the appellant. If you are acting through a representative, their details go in instead, and if that representative is not a solicitor you will usually need to supply a signed authority to act from the appellant confirming that they can represent you.
2. Add the respondent's information. Provide the respondent's name, address and any known contact details, plus an alternative address for service. Where the respondent is an organisation rather than an individual, a nominated representative should be named. Double check spellings and postcodes, as errors here can cause delays with service of documents later on.
3. Record the Valuation Tribunal decision. In the tribunal details section, give the date of the original decision, the appeal reference number and identify the hereditament exactly as it appears on the Valuation Tribunal's decision notice. Use the description from that decision even if you disagree with it, because this is how the case is being tracked.
4. Set out your grounds of appeal. List each ground clearly, then attach a typed statement of case organised under a heading for each ground. The statement should reference any valuations, transactions or comparable properties you are relying on, and it should explain why the Valuation Tribunal's reasoning was wrong in law or on the facts.
5. Confirm timing, expert evidence and procedure. State whether the appeal is being filed within 28 days of the decision. If it is late, ask for permission to proceed out of time and give your reasons. Then indicate whether you intend to call expert witnesses and select which of the three case procedures you would like the appeal assigned to.

Common questions