Appealing against your rateable value
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) values all business properties for Business Rates. The valuation is based on the information the VOA holds about your property.
You can visit GOV.UK to view and update the VOA's information.
If there has been a change to the property, and you're unhappy with the rateable value the VOA has applied, the Valuation Officer may alter the value. For example, you may have extended the property, or knocked part of it down. You can contact the VOA online to appeal against your rateable value.
You must pay the instalments shown on your bill until your appeal has been decided and we send you a revised bill. If you've overpaid, we will refund you. If you do not pay, we may take recovery action.
New valuation appeals procedure
- Check – send a 'Check case' to tell the VOA that your property details are correct, or make a change to them. Provide evidence to support your changes.
- Challenge - send the VOA a 'Challenge case' if you think your rateable value is too high. Explain what you think it should be and provide evidence. You must complete a Check case before sending a Challenge case.
- Appeal – ask the independent Valuation Tribunal for a review if you do not agree with the VOA's decision on the rateable value.
You can visit GOV.UK to find out more about how to check, challenge, and appeal a rateable value.
Ratings advisers
Business Rates payers do not have to be represented in discussions about their rateable value or their rates bill. However, if you do want to be represented, you should choose a suitably qualified person.
Members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Institute of Revenues, Rating, and Valuation (IRRV) are qualified. They are regulated by rules of professional conduct which protect the public from misconduct.
Before you employ a ratings adviser, make sure they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance.