How to Check if You Are Overpaying Business Rates in the UK
Step-by-step guide to verifying your business rates bill, checking your rateable value, confirming the correct multiplier, and identifying reliefs you may be missing.
Business rates are one of the largest fixed costs for UK hospitality businesses, yet many owners and managers never check whether their bill is correct. Errors are more common than you might expect: the wrong multiplier applied, reliefs not claimed, or a rateable value based on incorrect property information. The 2026 revaluation changed rateable values across the country, and the introduction of the permanent RHL multiplier added another layer of complexity.
Checking your bill takes about an hour and could save you thousands of pounds per year. This guide walks you through every step: verifying your rateable value, confirming the correct multiplier, identifying available reliefs, and challenging errors if you find them.
7 steps to complete
Find your rates bill and identify the key figures
Locate your most recent business rates bill from your local authority. Identify the following figures: your rateable value (RV), the multiplier used (in pence per pound), any reliefs applied, and the final amount payable. These figures are typically on the first page of your bill. If you cannot find your bill, contact your local council business rates team and ask for a copy.
Check your rateable value on the VOA website
Go to gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates and search for your property by address or postcode. The VOA listing shows your current rateable value, the property description, and the floor areas held on file. Check that the RV on your rates bill matches the VOA listing. Also check that the floor areas, property description, and facilities listed by the VOA are accurate.
Verify the correct multiplier has been applied
For 2026/27, the standard multiplier is 55.5p and the RHL multiplier is 38.2p. If your property is used for retail, hospitality, or leisure and has an RV below 51,000, your bill should use the RHL multiplier. Check your bill to confirm which multiplier has been applied. If the standard multiplier has been used when the RHL rate should apply, contact your local council immediately.
Identify reliefs you may be entitled to
Review the reliefs section of your bill. Common reliefs for hospitality businesses include: small business rate relief (100% for RV under 12,000, tapered to 15,000), the pubs and live music venues 15% discount, transitional relief (automatic cap on annual increases), supporting small business relief (800 annual cap for businesses losing previous reliefs), and charitable rate relief (80% mandatory for charities).
Compare your RV against similar properties
Search the VOA website for similar properties near yours. Compare rateable values for properties of similar size, type, and location. If your RV appears significantly higher than comparable properties, this may indicate an overvaluation. Note the UARNs and RVs of the comparable properties.
Submit corrections or a challenge if needed
If the VOA holds incorrect property information, submit a Check through the VOA online service. If the facts are correct but you believe the RV is too high, submit a formal Challenge with comparable evidence. Any successful reduction can be backdated to the start of the rating list.
Apply for any missing reliefs
Contact your local council business rates team to apply for any reliefs you are entitled to but not currently receiving. Most councils have application forms on their website. Keep copies of all applications and reference numbers.
Tips for success
Common mistakes to avoid
Frequently asked questions
How much could I save by checking my rates bill?
Savings vary widely. Getting the RHL multiplier applied instead of the standard rate could save thousands per year. Claiming SBRR for the first time could eliminate your bill entirely if your RV is under 12,000.
Can I backdate a rates correction?
Relief applications are typically applied from the date you apply, though some councils backdate to the billing year start. VOA valuation challenges can be backdated to the start of the rating list if successful.
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