mybusinessrates.gov.uk/wales the official government website

Frequently asked questions

What are business rates?

Business rates are the way in which businesses and other occupiers of non-domestic property contribute towards the costs of local authority services.

What is a rating list?

The rateable value of your property, and those of all other business properties appears in rating lists published by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). The new lists came into effect on 1 April 2005 and will last for five years. Rating lists are available at the VOA’s offices and online

What is revaluation?

A revaluation, or reassessment, of all rateable values is carried out by the Valuation Office Agency every five years to ensure that they are kept up to date and reflect changes in the property market. The most recent revaluation came into effect on 1 April 2005.

What is a summary valuation?

The summary valuation is produced by the Valuation Office Agency and explains how the rateable value of your business property has been calculated. more...

What is rateable value?

The rateable value for your property is a figure based on a professional assessment of the annual rent of a property if it was available to let on the open market at a fixed valuation date. more...

How is my rateable value calculated?

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) gathers as much evidence as possible of actual rents paid for properties throughout England. This evidence, together with other information, is used by the VOA to determine the levels of rental value appropriate in a particular location for different types of property. more...

Is the rateable value the amount I have to pay in rates?

No. The rateable value forms the basis for the calculation of your rates bill. It is multiplied by a factor set by central Government each year called the multiplier. more...

How can I find out what my rateable value is?

Your rateable value is printed on your summary valuation or, if you don’t have one of these on your rates bill. You can look up your rateable value online at www.voa.gov.uk or you can find out what it is from your local Valuation Office.

When will I get my summary valuation?

Summary valuations were distributed during October 2004.

What if the details of my property on my summary valuation are incorrect?

You should amend any incorrect details and return the summary valuation to the Valuation Office that sent it to you. more...

What is a retail zone?

Retail zones, or 'zoning', are used as a means of determining the rateable value of a typical shop. more...

Why is my rateable value nothing like the rent I actually pay?

The rateable value is the assessment of the rent your property would fetch in annual rent if it were available on the open market on a particular date. The rateable value may be different to the rent you pay for a number of reasons – for example, your rent may have been agreed at a different time.

What do I do if I disagree with my rateable value?

If the facts about your property are correct but you disagree with your rateable value, you can contact the VOA on 0845 602 1507. If you are still not satisfied, having had your questions answered, you can make an appeal. more...

When will I get my bill?

Your local authority will send out your rates bill between February and April of each year.

What if I can't afford to pay my bill?

You should contact your local authority immediately if you are having difficulty in meeting your rates bill payments. They may be able to offer assistance but you must discuss it with them.

Are any non-domestic properties exempt from business rates?

Yes there are some exemptions such as:

Agricultural land and buildings
Fish farms
Churches and other places of worship
Sewers
Public parks
Certain property used for disabled people
Swinging moorings for boats

How do I appeal against my rateable value?

You can appeal directly to your local Valuation Office – they can provide you with the necessary form – or you can appeal online at www.voa.gov.uk. Either option costs nothing. Alternatively you may wish to approach a rating agent to advise you on an appeal and handle the process for you. If you follow this option it is strongly advised that you instruct an agent who is a member of one of the professional bodies in the Contacts section. more...