What are Business Rates?
Business Rates are a local tax that is paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic and business property, in the same way that Council Tax is a tax on domestic property.
Business rates are charged on most business properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses, factories, holiday rental homes or guest houses.
- The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for calculating the rateable value of your property.
- Local councils use the rateable value to calculate your business rates bill. They are responsible for billing and collection of business rates including any relief from payment.
To find out more, read the VOA’s introduction to business rates.
This money contributes towards the costs of local services provided by the council, police, and fire and rescue services.
View general explanatory notes
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Understanding your rateable value
Business rates are based on your property’s rateable value. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) maintains the non domestic rating list. This includes setting the rateable values of business properties. To understand why your property has a certain rateable value, read the VOA’s guidance on how business rates are calculated
What is the rateable value?
The rateable value is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency, which is an agency of HM Revenue and Customs.
A property's rateable value is an assessment of the annual rent the property would rent for if it were available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date:
- from 1 April 2023 the rateable values will be based on the valuation date of 1 April 2021.
If you think your rateable value is incorrect, you can find and view your property details on the GOV.UK website. The 2017 non-domestic rating list closed on 31 March 2023. From 1 April 2023, you will only be able to check against the 2023 rating list.
Find your property's rateable value
Roles and responsibilities in setting Business Rates
The Valuation Office Agency sets the rateable value of business premises by using property details such as rental information.
The local council uses the rateable value and the business rates multiplier (set by central government) to calculate your business rates bill.
What is a revaluation?
As a result of the Non-Domestic Rating Act 2023, Business Rates revaluations will now take place every 3 years, rather than 5 years, meaning changes to economic conditions and fluctuations in the property market are reflected in business rates bill more quickly.
To do this, VOA will be contacting businesses to request rental information to support the next revaluation of Business Rates from 1 April 2026.
If you receive a request, please complete, and submit your up-to-date details. It is important to provide this information to ensure business rates are fair and accurate.
Find out more about revaluation
How to challenge Business Rates
If you are concerned that your business rates may be incorrect, you can check and update your information using the VOA's Check and Challenge your business rates service. Check and challenge your business rates valuation: step by step - GOV.UK
From 1 April 2023, you will need to use a business rates valuation account to tell the VOA if you think your rateable value is too high. You must continue to pay your business rates as normal until a decision has been made. You can register for a business rates valuation account ready for 1 April 2023. You can do this yourself without employing a rating agent.
If you are using a rating agent to assist with your revaluation, please be aware that members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation are qualified and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.
Before you employ a rating adviser or company you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.
Whilst an appeal is being considered, there is no legal right to withhold payment.