What are business rates?
Business rates is a local tax paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic property, in the same way that Council Tax is a tax on domestic properties.
Business rates are charged on most business properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories. However, the property doesn't have to be used for a business - if it is used for purposes which are not domestic it is likely to be rateable. We will send you a business rates bill each year.
You can estimate the amount of business rates you may be charged by using the online calculator on the Gov.UK website.
How can I pay my business rates bill?
You can pay your Business Rates by Direct Debit or pay online.
You can also manage your business rates through our online portal .
Please note that the online portal will not be available for business rates customers from 12-17 March 2021, to enable the end of year billing.
How are business rates worked out?
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets the rateable value of business premises by using property details such as rental information. We use the rateable value and the business rates multiplier (set by central government) to calculate your business rates bill.
A property's rateable value is an assessment of the annual rent the property would bring if it were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date.
From 1 April 2017, the rateable value is based on the valuation date of 1 April 2015. The next revaluation, which was due to take effect from 1st April 2021, has now been postponed by the Government until 1st April 2023.
The business rates bill is worked out by multiplying the rateable value of the property by the appropriate multiplier. There are two multipliers; the standard non-domestic rating multiplier (0.512 for 2021/22) and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier (0.499 for 2021/22). The former is higher in order to pay for the small business rate relief. The multipliers are set each year by the Government, and normally they cannot (except in a revaluation year) go up by more than the rate of inflation.
Is my rateable value correct?
If you think the rateable value shown on your bill is incorrect, you can find and view your property details on the VOA website.
The VOA may alter the value if they believe that the circumstances of the property have changed. The ratepayer (and certain others who have an interest in the property) may also in certain circumstances propose a change in value. You can find further information about how rateable values are calculated and guidance to submit an appeal on the VOA website.
