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: https://www.gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates

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.

Find out more

For more information on the Revaluation, rateable values, and business rates go to www.gov.uk/voa/revaluation

You can also estimate your business rates bill, including any small business rate relief the local council may apply.