Explaining your business rates
Business rates are charged on most business properties such as:
- shops
- offices
- pubs
- warehouses
- factories
How business rates are calculated
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets the rateable value on which your business rates are based.
This value represents the rent the property could have been let for on a certain date set in law. For the 2023 valuation, that date was 1 April 2021. This was during the Covid-19 pandemic and the rent information the VOA used reflected this.
You can find out more about rateable value and how business properties are valued on the government website.
The government sets the business rates multiplier figures, which are effective from 1 April every year.
Your business rates bill is calculated by us. We're responsible for:
- calculating charges
- issuing bills
- collecting payments
We work out your business rates bill by multiplying the rateable value of the property by one of two multipliers: standard and small business. The first is higher to pay for small business rate relief.
The following videos explain the VOA processes:
- How we measure properties for business rates
- How we use retail zoning for business rates
- How we assess pubs for business rates
Finding your rateable value
Use the VOA’s business rates valuation service to find out:
- the future rateable value for your property
- an estimate of what your 2023/24 business rates bill may be
You can also watch the following videos:
Estimating your rates
Get an estimate of your business rates and see the current multiplier by using the business rates estimator tool.
The estimator tool only provides an approximate figure. Your exact rates will be shown on your bill.
Revaluation
The VOA regularly updates the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties. This is called a revaluation. We will make changes to your bill if a revaluation affects your bill.
Revaluations are carried out to reflect changes in the property market, which means that business rates bills are based on more up-to-date information.
The next revaluation will come into effect on 1 April 2026.
To find out more, you can:
- read guidance about the 2026 revaluation
- read about business rates revaluation on the Government website
- watch the 'What is a revaluation?' video
Changes from April 2026
New multipliers
For 2026/7, the figures used to calculate your bill will be:
| Type | Multiplier | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Small business RHL | 0.382 | Retail etc and RV less than £51k |
| Small business | 0.432 | Non‑retail and RV less than £51k |
| Standard RHL | 0.43 | Retail etc and RV £51k to £499,999 |
| Standard | 0.48 | Non‑retail and RV £51k to £499,999 |
| High‑value | 0.508 | RV £500k and over |
From 1 April 2026, every business that is classed as retail, hospitality or leisure (RHL) will have their bill calculated by using a smaller multiplier and have a smaller bill to pay.
Find out if your business is classed as RHL.
What you need to do
You should complete our online form:
- if you believe your business should be classed as RHL
- to let us know if your business falls within RHL categories, even if you don’t pay business rates
Transitional relief
If your property’s rateable value changes significantly after the 2026 revaluation, there’s a limit on how much your business rates bill can go up each year. This is called transitional relief.
| Rateable value | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £20,000 | Up to 5% | Up to 10% | Up to 25% |
| £20,001 – £100,000 | Up to 15% | Up to 25% | Up to 40% |
| Over £100,000 | Up to 30% | Up to 25% | Up to 25% |
Supporting small business relief
If you were getting small business or rural relief before, you may qualify for extra help. Most businesses will get up to three years of support, some will get one year.
Supporting small business relief.
The government has expanded the 2026 supporting small business scheme to ratepayers losing their RHL relief. This will apply for three years from 1 April 2026.
Pubs and live music venues relief.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging relief
If you install EV charging points or run an EV-only forecourt, you’ll get 100% relief for 10 years.
Appeal your rateable value
You can:
- check and challenge the rateable value of your property
- appeal the rateable value of your property to the VOA
- remove a property from the business rates list
Using a rating adviser
Before you use a rating adviser or company, you should check they have the necessary knowledge and expertise. They should also have appropriate indemnity insurance.
How to choose a business rates agent.
Be careful and seek advice before entering into any contract. You can get help from a qualified rating adviser from the following companies:
