Business rates is a local tax that is paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic or 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 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.
Roles and responsibilities
The Valuation office agency sets the value of business premises by using property details such as rental information.
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.
- The rateable values are now based on the valuation date of 1 April 2015
If you think your rateable value is incorrect, you can find and view your property details here: Find a business rates valuation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you have reason to believe that your rateable value is not correct, follow the instructions provided on the site. You will need to do the following:
- CHECK, review and confirm the facts about your property held by the VOA
- CHALLENGE, once the facts are established, explain why you believe your valuation is wrong
Revaluation
The VOA regularly reassess and update the rateable values of all business properties usually every five years. This is called a Revaluation. Revaluation does not raise extra revenue overall.
The 2017 non-domestic rating list is closing. Companies have up until midnight 31 March 2023 to submit a Check to ensure they don’t lose out on any reliefs or adjustments to their business rates bill. From 1 April 2023, customers will only be able to make a Check against the 2023 rating list.
As the 2017 rating list will be closed there are only limited circumstances in which further amendments may be made to it. These are:
- Following outstanding Checks submitted prior to 1 April 2023 and any subsequent challenges and appeals
- The VOA can alter the 2017 list up to 31 March 2024.This allows us to clear existing cases/reports and enables you to submit reports that have a retrospective element regarding the 2017 list. If we make any alterations to the 2017 list, we will advise the customer that they have the right to make a Check within 6 months of the date of our alteration.
- A customer has the right to challenge the 2017 list on the grounds of a tribunal or court decision, provided a Check has been made by 30 September 2023.
- After 31 March 2024 the 2017 list may only be altered because of a challenge or appeal.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has updated the rateable values of all business, and other non-domestic, property in England and Wales.
These future rateable values will take effect from 1 April 2023 and are based on the value of a property on 1st April 2021. Get an estimate of what your business rates bill may be from 1 April 2023 through our Find a Business Rates Valuation Service on GOV.UK.
The government has announced a package of rates relief for businesses as part of the Autumn Statement 2022.
- Visit to read the Autumn Statement 2022: Business Rates Factsheet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Find out more
For more information on the Revaluation, rateable values, and business rates
You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief the local council may apply.
Contact Us
Valuation Office Agency
Ground Floor
Ferrers House
Castle Meadow Road
Nottingham
NG2 1AB
Tel: 0300 050 1501
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