Business rates are properly known as national non-domestic rates (NNDR). They are paid by the owners or occupiers of commercial properties.
The money is pooled by central government and redistributed to local councils, who put it towards the cost of local services.
Your annual business rates bill is paid in 10 monthly instalments from April to January.
There are many methods of payment available; perhaps the quickest and easiest of these is Direct Debit.
The total amount you must pay is calculated depending on the rateable value of your property.
You can read more about business rates on the Communities and Local Government website.
Relief and exemptions
Where relevant, you can apply for relief for your small business or relief for a charity or non-profit organisation.
Empty or partly-occupied properties can be given a period of exemption in which they need not pay business rates.
Some properties, such as farms, churches or parks, are entitled to exemption from business rates.
Queries and appeals
If you wish to question the amount of your business rates, or to appeal for a change in the amount, you will find all the information you need on the business rates queries and appeals page.
