Businesses with partially empty properties for a brief period may be eligible for rate relief on the unoccupied portion. The billing authority will grant this relief based on a certificate issued by a Valuation Officer.
Properties that are empty for a short period are exempt from rates. The exemption lasts for three months for shops and offices, and six months for industrial premises (factories, workshops, and warehouses). After the exemption period, the premises will be billed at a rate equivalent to the occupied charge. Certain property classes remain exempt as long as they remain unused.
If a ratepayer is experiencing severe hardship, they can apply for discretionary relief. The granting of relief will depend on whether it's in the interest of local council taxpayers.
Small businesses in England with only one property having a rateable value below £15,000 may be eligible for rate relief. Businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or less won't have to pay at all, and those with a value between £12,001 and £15,000 will pay a significantly lower rate.
Businesses operating in rural areas with a population of 3,000 or less, and being the only shop, pub, or petrol station with a rateable value above certain levels (£8,500 for shops and £12,500 for other property types), will be fully exempt from business rates.
Local charities or community amateur sports clubs might qualify for an 80% reduction in their business rates.
When your property is revalued, your business rates bill may change. Transitional relief limits the amount of additional rates you can pay each year, phasing in increases gradually. Eligible businesses will have their bills adjusted automatically by the council.
Starting a business in an enterprise zone or relocating to one might make you eligible for business rates relief offered by the council.
There are various other reliefs available, so consult our advisers to explore additional options that may apply to your business.
Shops, restaurants, cafes, and pubs/bars with a rateable value under £51,000 may qualify for a retail discount, reducing their business rates bill by a third. This discount is in addition to any other reliefs they might be eligible for. To determine eligibility, contact your local council.
You may not have to pay the full estimated amount of business rates, as various ways exist to reduce your business rates bill. Different reliefs are available for specific types of organizations, which can be crucial for small businesses to improve margins. It's essential to be aware of all exemptions and loopholes when calculating your business rates.
It's worth noting that the availability and specifics of business rates support can vary between different regions and local authorities. To get accurate and up-to-date information about the support options available for your specific circumstances, call one of our dedicated surveyors for a detailed report of your business today.
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