Business Rates
We have considerable experience in providing specialist rating advice on saving clients money in this complex tax field.
The Check Challenge Appeal process has now become very complex and requires specialist advice in order to reduce your rate liability.
Our business rates service covers advice on:
- Unoccupied Rates
- Multi-let buildings
- Completion of information requests received from the Valuation Officer
- Submission and negotiation of Check Challenge Appeal
- Check Challenge Appeals for building works and other disruptions
- Representation at Valuation Tribunal or Upper Tribunal
- Checking & validating rate bills
- Unoccupied and partly occupied premises
- Reliefs and exemptions
- Summonses and liability orders
- Rates Audit
PLEASE NOTE - The 2021 Rating Revaluation which was due to come into effect on the 1st April 2021 has recently been postponed.
COVID-19 - As a result of COVID-19, the Government has offered 100% rate relief from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 to qualifying retail, leisure and hospitality occupiers to sit alongside existing relief on small office premises with Rateable Values up to £15,000. Given values in London very few office occupiers small or large qualify for relief. Currently offices and warehouse /industrial premises are excluded.
However, we recommend you consider applying for 100% rate relief if you have been forced to close down your office or warehouse/industrial premises ‘because of the Coronavirus’ from the date staff ceased operating from the premises. Any such application for empty rate relief should specifically state ‘…due to the effects of the Coronavirus.’
We cannot guarantee you will be successful with empty rate relief in this instance, but we consider the enforced closure of business through the ‘The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020’ could be sufficient to make an application to Councils for business rates exemption during this period.
Be wary of companies who guarantee to reduce your business rates. Seek independent advice from well-established rating advisers who look at your overall situation. Companies which promise to reduce your rateable value and rates bills without any detailed knowledge of your property should be avoided as bad advice can result in an increase in your rate liability.
We will provide you with a professional and honest opinion from the outset as to whether a Check Challenge Appeal is worthwhile. Our client list speaks for itself.