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About business rates
If you run a business from a shop, office, or other commercial property, you’ll likely need to pay business rates. Here’s what they are, how they’re calculated, and what to do if you think your bill is wrong.
Business rates are a type of tax that most businesses pay if they use a building or space for work - like shops, pubs, offices, or factories.
Local councils collect this money once a year and pass it on to the government. It helps pay for local services.
You can find out more about Business Rates on the GOV.UK website.
How business rates are worked out
Each business property is given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). This is an estimate of how much rent the property could earn per year.
To calculate your bill, the rateable value is multiplied by a number called the multiplier, which is set by the government every year.
For 2026–27, there are five multipliers:
- Small Business RHL (RV under £51,000): 38.2p for every £1 of RV
- Standard RHL (RV between £51,000- £499,999): 43p for every £1 of RV
- Small Business Non RHL (RV under £51,000): 43.2p for every £1 of RV
- Standard Business NON RHL (RV between £51,000- £499,999): 48p for every £1 of RV
- Large (all properties with a RV of over £500,000): 50.8p for every £1 of RV
The multiplier may change each year, but it usually only goes up with inflation. Your bill will show which multiplier applies to you.
Your rateable value and how to challenge It
Your rateable value is shown on your bill. It’s based on what your property could have rented for on 1 April 2024.
If you think your rateable value is wrong, you can challenge it online.
Challenge the valuation on GOV.UK
If your appeal is successful, your bill may be adjusted and backdated - depending on the situation.
Revaluations
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly reviews the rental values of business properties in England and Wales. This process is called a revaluation.
What is a rateable value?
A rateable value is an estimate of how much rent a property could have been let for on a specific date. Rateable values are used to calculate business rates bills - the tax businesses pay on their properties.
Which valuation date is used?
For the 2026 revaluation, rateable values are based on property rental values as of 1 April 2024.
When does the new revaluation take effect?
The updated rateable values will be used to calculate business rates bills from 1 April 2026.
Why do revaluations happen?
Revaluations make sure business rates stay fair and reflect current market conditions, so bills are based on up‑to‑date rental values.
Getting advice
You don’t need to hire anyone to appeal your rateable value - it’s free to do yourself.
But if you want help, make sure your adviser is qualified. Look for members of:
Always check they have the right experience and insurance before signing anything.
