Business Rates can be confusing, and knowing whether you’re paying the right amount isn’t always straightforward. At Business Rates Solution, we believe businesses should have clear, honest information about how Business Rates work and what options are available to reduce them.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions we receive about Business Rates, Rateable Values, reliefs, and appeals — helping you understand your position and make informed decisions with confidence.
Business Rates, also known as Non-Domestic Rates, are a tax charged on properties that are used wholly or partly for business purposes. This includes offices, shops, dental practices, pubs, warehouses, factories, and many other commercial premises.
Business Rates are based on the property itself, not on how profitable your business is.
Most businesses occupying a commercial property are required to pay Business Rates. This includes:
Business owners
Tenants
Landlords (for empty or partially occupied properties)
If a property is empty, the landlord may still be liable after any exemption period ends.
Business Rates are calculated using the following formula:
Rateable Value × Multiplier = Business Rates
The Rateable Value (RV) is set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA)
The Multiplier is set annually by the Government
Any applicable Business Rate Reliefs are then deducted from this amount.
A Rateable Value is the VOA’s estimate of the annual rent your property could have achieved on the open market at a specific valuation date (currently 1 April 2017).
It is based on factors such as:
Property size
Location
Type of use
Market conditions at the valuation date
An incorrect RV can result in you paying more Business Rates than necessary.
Yes. If you believe your Rateable Value is too high, it may be possible to challenge it through the VOA’s Check, Challenge, Appeal process.
At Business Rates Solution, we assess whether your property has been fairly valued and manage the entire process on your behalf if a challenge is justified.
There are several reliefs available, depending on your circumstances. Common examples include:
Small Business Rate Relief
Transitional Relief
Rural Rate Relief
Charitable Rate Relief
Empty Property Relief
Eligibility varies, and many businesses miss out simply because they are unaware of what they can claim.
You may be overpaying if:
Your property’s RV is higher than similar nearby properties
Your business has reduced in size or changed use
The property has physical issues or limitations
You are not claiming all available reliefs
A professional review can quickly identify potential savings.
Business Rates Solution helps businesses reduce their Business Rates by:
Reviewing your Rateable Value for accuracy
Identifying and applying eligible reliefs
Submitting and managing appeals to the VOA
Liaising with local authorities on your behalf
We aim to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
We help businesses across east midlands ensure their Business Rates are accurate, fair, and reasonable—backed by expert guidance and a compliant process.
