UARN (Unique Address Reference Number)
A unique reference number assigned by the VOA to identify each individual property on the rating list.
Every commercial property on the Valuation Office Agency rating list has a Unique Address Reference Number (UARN). This is the primary identifier used by the VOA and local authorities to track your property through valuations, revaluations, and rate billing. When you check your rateable value on the VOA website, submit a challenge, or correspond with the VOA about your property, your UARN is the key reference number. It appears on your business rates bill and on the VOA valuation list entry for your property.
Key Points
- Unique identifier for each property on the VOA rating list
- Found on your business rates bill and the VOA website
- Essential when checking or challenging your rateable value
- Prevents confusion in multi-unit buildings or shared addresses
- Used by both the VOA and local authorities
How to Find Your UARN
Your UARN appears on your business rates bill, typically near the top of the document alongside your property address and rateable value. You can also find it by searching for your property on the VOA website at gov.uk/correct-your-business-rates. Enter your address or postcode, select your property from the results, and the UARN will be displayed on the property details page.
Why Your UARN Matters
When checking your rateable value, submitting a challenge, or contacting the VOA, your UARN ensures they are looking at the correct property. This is particularly important for properties in multi-unit buildings, shopping centres, or business parks where multiple properties share a similar address. Using your UARN avoids confusion and speeds up any correspondence or challenge process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my UARN the same as my billing reference?
No. Your UARN is assigned by the VOA and identifies your property on the valuation list. Your billing reference is assigned by your local authority for their billing system. Both numbers appear on your rates bill but serve different purposes.
Does my UARN change at revaluation?
Generally no. Your UARN stays the same across revaluations unless the property is split, merged, or fundamentally redefined by the VOA. If the VOA creates a new assessment (for example, splitting one property into two), each resulting property gets a new UARN.
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