Business Finance

 
 

Frequently asked questions

I have moved out / into a property. Who do I need to tell?
You can either download the online occupation or vacation form,  or telephone, email or fax the Business rates department with the following information:
  • Exact date of Vacation/Occupation
  • Landlord's details
  • Purchaser/Seller's details
  • New contact address for you

If your query is not related to business rates please contact the switchboard on 020 7641 6000 in order to be directed to the correct person.


What are the multipliers (rate in the £)?
  • 2000/01 – 0.416
  • 2001/02 – 0.430
  • 2002/03 – 0.437
  • 2003/04 – 0.444
  • 2004/05 – 0.456
  • 2005/06 – 0.422 / 0.415 (Small Business Rate Relief qualifiers)
  • 2006/07 - 0.433 / 0.426 (Small Business Rate Relief qualifiers)
  • 2007/08 - 0.444 / 0.441 (Small Business Rate Relief qualifiers)
  • 2008/09 - 0.462 / 0.458 (Small Business Rate Relief qualifiers)

Can I apply for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)?
SBRR is only available to a ratepayer with either:
  • One property with a rateable value of less than £21,500 in England; or
  • One main property and other additional occupied properties in England providing these additional properties each have a rateable value under £2,200 and the total value of all the properties (including the main property) remains under £21,500. SBRR is only payable on the main property

What if I have overpaid my business rate?
If you receive a bill showing a credit you will need to download and complete the refund request form, or make a written request. A credit due to an amendment from the Valuation Officer will be awarded interest. However, no interest will be applied if a Liability Order has been granted against the relevant year.

Credits may also be offset against arrears if requested.


What about exemptions on empty properties?
With effect from the 1 April 2008, no empty rates will be charged if the property is empty and any of the following apply:
  • Rateable Value less than £1900 (2000 rating list) £2200 (2005 rating list).  
  • The property is a Listed Building.
  • The ratepayer is a charitable organisation or a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC).
  • The ratepayer is bankrupt or in liquidation. 
  • The ratepayer is a company in administration.
  • The ratepayer is entitled to occupy as an executor of a deceased person.
  • Occupation of the property is prohibited by law.

In addition to the above, if the property description is either workshop, warehouse or factory, the ratepayer will be entitled to a six month exemption from rates. After this period ends, full rates will become payable as if the property was occupied.

If the property is empty but does not fall within any of the above full or partial exemptions, full rates will become payable after an initial period of three months. During this initial period, no rates are payable.

For further information please contact the Business Rates department on 020 8315 2050.


What about empty rate during refurbishment?
In the first instance, please make your request in writing or send an email to the business rates office. Documentary evidence may be required for retrospective periods. For further information please call the Business rates department on 020 8315 2050

The start/end date of my bill is wrong. Who do I tell?
Please inform the Business rates Department immediately and supply appropriate documentary evidence to support your claim.

What if I do not pay on time?
You will receive a reminder for the first instalment that is late. If you want to carry on paying by instalments, you must pay the amount shown on the reminder within 7 days. If you do not pay this amount within 7 days, you will lose you right to pay by instalments and you will have to pay the full balance of your business rates after a further 7 days.

If we cancel your instalments because you have not paid on time, we will apply to the Court for a Summons to be issued against you.


What if my rates are too high?
The rateable value of a property is assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) of the Inland Revenue and forms the basis of the calculation of your business rates liability. Should you therefore feel that your rates are too high, or if you have a valuation matter you wish to discuss, please address it to the VOA at:

4th Floor, Wingate House
93-107 Shaftesbury Avenue
London W1D 5BU

Online: www.voa.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7445 0500
Fax: 020 7445 0699

It should be noted however, that payment must continue to be made on the basis of the existing assessment as it appears in the current rating list, even whilst an appeal is outstanding. Once official notification is received from the VOA of an amendment to the list, any necessary alterations to your account will be made and any appropriate refund issued.


What if I have a tenancy that is inclusive of rates?
In accordance with current rating legislation, the liability for the National Non Domestic Rate falls upon the occupier of the premises. This is regardless of stipulations within your tenancy agreement, as the Council can not enter into third party agreements between you and your landlord. In the event of the property being vacant, liability falls upon the 'owner', defined as the person entitled to possession the property, again regardless of any third party agreements that you may have.

What if the occupier is a registered charity?
Charitable Organisations are entitled to Mandatory Relief where the property they occupy is used wholly or mainly for charitable purposes. Relief is given at 80% of the rates due. The City Council has the discretion to give an additional relief, known as Discretionary Relief, of up to 20% to such charities. For further information and to apply, please contact the City Council on 020 8315 2050, or write to the address shown on your bill.

How do I contact the business rates office?
Tel: 020 8315 2050
Fax: 020 8315 2074

Online: Contact the Business Rates Office


Where can I go to speak to someone in person?
At the City Council's One Stop Services.