Business rates are a tax on property used for business purposes. They’re charged on properties like offices, shops, pubs, and warehouses – most non-domestic properties will attract business rates. They may also be charged where only part of a building is used for non-domestic purposes.

In England, you can get small business rate relief if you only occupy one property with a rateable value of less than £15,000. To find out your rateable value visit our guide on how to calculate your business rates. If your property has a rateable value of £12,000 or less you will get 100% relief from business rates

A revaluation usually takes place every 5 years. 1.3 Business rate bills are calculated using specific valuations, rather than a banded system. This means it is important for rateable values to be regularly updated through revaluations to ensure bills stay accurate and fair.

Successfully appealing the rateable value of premises typically takes around 12 months of haranguing the relevant government bodies

Yes – you are not entitled to withhold payment pending the outcome of an appeal and must pay charges due calculated in accordance with the rateable value shown in the rating list. Any over payments will be issued in the form of a refund, once the appeal has been settled.