How Do I Check My Business Rates Bill Is Correct?
Step-by-step answer on how to verify your business rates bill, check for errors, and confirm the right multiplier and reliefs are applied.
Check your rateable value on the VOA website, verify the correct multiplier (RHL at 38.2p or standard at 48.0p) has been applied, and confirm all eligible reliefs are on your bill.
Key Facts
In Detail
Checking your business rates bill involves three main steps: verifying your rateable value, confirming the correct multiplier, and ensuring all eligible reliefs have been applied. First, go to gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates and search for your property. Compare the rateable value shown on the VOA website with the figure on your rates bill. They should match. While you are there, check that the floor areas and property description the VOA holds are accurate, as errors in these details inflate your RV. Second, check which multiplier has been used. For 2026/27, hospitality properties with RV under 51,000 should be charged at the RHL multiplier of 38.2p. If your bill shows 48.0p and you run a restaurant, pub, cafe, hotel, or takeaway, the wrong rate has been applied. Contact your local council to request a correction. Third, review the reliefs on your bill. If your RV is under 15,000 and it is your only property, you should have small business rate relief. If you run a pub, check for the 15% pubs discount. If your business is a registered charity, check for 80% charitable relief. If none of these reliefs appear and you believe you qualify, apply to your local council.
Common Errors to Look For
The most common billing errors include: the standard multiplier applied instead of the RHL rate, small business rate relief not applied because you have not applied for it, incorrect rateable value due to wrong floor areas on the VOA record, transitional relief not applied correctly (your bill increased by more than the permitted cap), and the pubs discount missing from a qualifying pub.
What to Do If You Find an Error
For multiplier or relief errors, contact your local council business rates team. They can correct billing errors and issue a revised bill. For rateable value errors (wrong floor areas or property details), contact the VOA through their Check process. For RV challenges (correct facts but value too high), follow the VOA Challenge process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my rates bill?
Check every April when new bills are issued, and after any revaluation. Also check if you move premises, acquire additional properties, or change the use of your property.
Can I get a refund if I have been overpaying?
If a billing error is corrected (wrong multiplier, missing relief), your council should issue a credit or refund. For VOA valuation corrections, reductions can be backdated to the start of the rating list.
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