Pay my Business Rates
Business Rates are a local tax that is paid by the occupiers of all non-domestic or business properties, in the same way that council tax is paid on domestic properties.
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.
If a property is occupied, the person or company occupying it is liable to pay the rates.
If the property is unoccupied or empty, the owner or the person entitled to possession, including lessees, are liable.
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I work from home, do I need to pay Business Rates?
You don’t normally have to pay Business Rates if you use a small part of your home for business. For example, if you use a bedroom as an office or sell goods by post.
However, you may need to pay Business Rates if you have converted part of your property into a business premises, where you sell goods or services to people who visit your property or if you employ people to work at your property. For example, a garage converted to a hair salon.
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I thought Business Rates were included in my rent?
If your tenancy agreement states that your Business Rates are paid by your landlord, you will still be liable as the occupier and will be named on the bill.
However, we are able to arrange for your bill to be sent directly to your landlord if we receive proof of the arrangement, for example, a tenancy agreement or confirmation from your landlord.
Any disputes regarding non-payment of the bill will need to be solved between yourself and your landlord.
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What are my payment options?
You will normally receive your annual bill in March and offered 10 instalments (April through to January), unless you have chosen to pay annually or half yearly.
If you would like to pay your Business Rates over 12 months instead of 10, let us know.
The number of instalments will be reduced if your bill is issued after the end of April. If your charge changes during the year, you will be sent a revised bill along with revised instalments.
The easiest way to pay is by direct debit.
If you choose not to pay by direct debit, payment must be made on or by the 1st of each month.
You can pay online.
If you miss one or more of your monthly instalments you may lose the right to pay monthly and legal action could be taken against you for the amount you owe for the whole year.
Do not send us cash through the post.
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I am having difficulty paying my bill
If you are struggling to pay your Business Rates, visit our difficulty paying page.
You can also check to see if you are entitled to any Business Rate relief.