Business rates

Business rates  - the commonly used term for non-domestic rates - are charged on most non-domestic properties, such as shops, offices and factories.

Business rates are collected by local authorities. They are used to contribute towards the cost of local services. Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally. This provides a direct financial incentive for authorities to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth. The money, together with revenue from council taxpayers, revenue support grant provided by the government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by local authorities in your area.

If you use a building or part of a building for business, you will probably have to pay business rates. Your premises will be given a rateable value by the valuation office agency, which your local authority will use to calculate how much you should pay.

 More information on business rates

• How rateable values are assessed for different types of premises
• How your property is valued for business rates - GOV.UK
• How business rates are calculated for self-catering holiday lets
• Business rates: Working at home - GOV.UK
• Information on schemes and reliefs which may allow your business to pay lower rates
• Check and challenge your business rates valuation: step by step - GOV.UK
• Estimate your rates bill
• VOA requests for rental information
• Starting and running a business