Business rates as they are commonly referred to are actually called Non-Domestic Rates and therefore can apply to any property classed as non-domestic whether used privately or as part of a business. They are a form of local taxation which are collected by the local council to help pay for local services.
Your rating liability is assessed by multiplying the property’s annual rental value (its ‘rateable value’) by the nationally set multiplier (either the standard or small business multiplier). Your rateable value is determined by the Valuation Office (VOA). Each properties rateable value is held on the VOA’s rating list with the most recent rating list taking effect from 1st April 2017. With the new rating list came a new system for appealing business rates known as the ‘check, challenge, appeal’ system for England only.
Last year saw some significant changes for business rates with a new rating list and appeals system, as well as changes to the available reliefs.
Ellen Cottrell has recently joined the Carver Knowles team having completed her degree at Harper Adams University and over the coming weeks Ellen will be posting a series of blogs relating to recent changes to the business rates system and how these can affect rural properties.
If you have any questions relating to business rates then give Ellen a call on 01684 853400 or email ellencottrell@fts.carverknowles.co.uk