Business rates are a tax on the occupation of land / property used for business purposes. They are paid by businesses that occupy the land or premises in question.
As a concept, business rates have been around since the 1600s and, aside from Stamp Duty Land Tax, it is one of the oldest taxes in the UK.
Business rates are due on most non-domestic properties, including the likes of offices, shops, pubs, and warehouses. These are known as rateable properties or an ‘hereditament’.
Some properties are exempt from business rates, for example farm buildings or places used for the welfare of disabled people.
The amount of business rates you have to pay is calculated by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) using your property’s ‘Rateable Value’ or RV.
The last revaluation by the VOA came into effect on 1 April 2017 and refers to property values from 1 April 2015.
Business rates are renowned for being one of the most complex taxes for businesses to navigate. It can be difficult to understand what you are required to pay in business rates and what you are asked to pay isn’t always correct.
It is possible to save money on your business rates. Our team of business rates experts have helped all manner of businesses to save money on business rates – either through challenging the RV via the Check, Challenge, Appeal system, or by exploring historical savings that can be made.
There are also several business rates reliefs which your business may be entitled to, which we can explore on your behalf.
If you would like help to understand your business rates liability, or you would like us to check and challenge this on your behalf whilst exploring potential reliefs that might be open to you, get in touch.