Sometimes when we send out Business Rates bills we receive telephone calls / enquiries asking for certain explanations. The information below may help to answer any questions you may have.
Rateable Values
The Rateable Value of your property is shown on the front of your bill, and forms the basis of the Business Rates charged. The rateable value broadly represents the annual rent the property could have been let for on the open market in 2008.
Can I appeal against the Rateable Value?
Yes. You can appeal against the valuation of your property by contacting the Valuation Office Agency on 03000 505 150.
Do I still have to pay whilst my appeal is outstanding?
Legally, rates are due and payable even if an appeal is underway with the Valuation Office. Any rates overpaid following a successful appeal, will be refunded or credited with interest where applicable.
Does it cost anything to appeal?
Making an appeal is free. However if you wish to instruct an independent rating advisor to act on your behalf, they may charge a fee. For further advice contact the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors| (RICS) or the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation| (IRRV). Please be careful before entering into any contract, and take advice if necessary as there may be fraudsters operating in the area.
Will my Rateable Value be automatically re-assessed?
Yes. Every 5 years the Valuation Office Agency carries out a nation-wide revaluation. The next one is due to take effect from 1st April 2015.
Reliefs
What if my business ceases, and the property becomes empty?
An empty property will attract 100% charge after 3 months of becoming completely empty, or 6 months if the property is industrial. The owner or leaseholder will be liable to pay the charge.
From April 2011, any empty property with a rateable value of less than £2,600 will be exempt from paying empty property rates.
Do we get any help if we are a registered charity or a non-profit making organisation?
Registered charities| and Community Amateur Sports Clubs| (CASCs) (if registered with the Inland Revenue), can receive 80% relief from the Non Domestic Rates. Discretionary Rate Relief| may be awarded to non profit making organisations, as well as registered charities and sports clubs. For further details and an application form, please contact the business rates section on 01452 396495.
What is Small Business Rates Relief| ?
The Government introduced a scheme from 1st April 2005 where ratepayers can receive up to 50% relief. For one year only, from 1st October 2010 to 30th September 2011, the amount of relief available has been increased to up to 100%.
Relief is only available to ratepayers who:
a) occupy one property in England, or
b) occupy one main property and other properties, where those properties have a rateable value of less than £2,600 and where the total of each property's rateable value does not exceed £17,999. In this instance, relief will only be given on the main property.
Payments and ways to pay
Can I pay monthly?
All business ratepayers receive bills payable by instalments. If you do not pay in accordance with these instructions you may lose the right to pay by instalments. You can also opt to pay annually.
What different ways can I make a payment?
There are several ways to pay| your Business Rates bill.
Difficulty in Paying
I can't pay the amounts due on the dates you have specified. What should I do?
Please contact us|. We will discuss with you how much and when you can pay. Please remember that this is an important debt. If we have to take extra steps to recover the amounts due, e.g. use of bailiffs, you may be liable for additional costs.
Can I make an appointment to discuss my account?
Yes. If you would prefer to discuss your account in person, please visit our Customer Services reception on the Ground Floor, Herbert Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester. Opening hours are 8.45am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday, except the first Wesnesday of each month 10.00am - 5.00pm). To avoid waiting you can book an appointment in advance by telephoning 01452 396407.
Moving
I am moving. What do I need to do?
Please telephone 01452 396495 straight away. We will then amend your account and send you a revised bill to your forwarding address.
E-Billing
Can I receive my Business Rates bill by email?
Yes. To apply simply contact Revenues Services on 01452 396495 and ask for an application form.
Useful Contact Details
The Valuation Office Agency
Ley Court
Barnett Way
Gloucester
GL4 7RT
Tel: 03000 505 150
Email: westerngroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk|
Website: http://www.voa.gov.uk/|
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): http://www.rics.org/|
Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV): http://www.irrv.org.uk/|
HM Revenue & Customs: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/|
Last Modified: Friday 04 March 2011