Rateable value and appeals

Rateable value lookup

You can look up rateable values for Non-Domestic properties via the Valuation Office Agency website (external link).

Rateable value

Non-Domestic properties are each allocated a rateable value which are set and maintained by the Valuation Officers of the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an agency of the Inland Revenue. The rateable value of your property will be shown on the front of your bill.

The rateable value broadly represents the yearly rent the property could have been let for on the open market at a particular date. For the revaluation that came into effect on 1 April 2005, this date was set as 1 April 2003.

Appeals

If you believe that the rateable value of your premises is wrong you may submit an appeal in writing or on-line to the Valuation Office. Information regarding the grounds for making an appeal, and how to make one, can be found on the VOA website (external link), or from your local valuation office. The Valuation Office for this area is situated at Quantock House, Paul Street, Taunton, TA1 3PB. The VOA can be contacted by telephone on 01823 308200.

It is important to note that there are limits beyond which reductions cannot normally be made. It is therefore important to submit any appeal promptly.

Ratepayers do not have to be professionally represented in discussions concerning their rate bill or rateable value. Appeals against the rateable value of a property can be made free of charge.

However some ratepayers and businesses instruct rating agents to act for them. This can be helpful. However if you are unsure about trusting someone who has approached you, the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has a help line. The number is: 0207 222 7000.

Independent advice can be obtained from members of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (external link) and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation (external link) who are qualified and regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct.

Please note:
Even where an appeal has been made, your Business Rates remain payable to the Council as per your bill. Should you not make payment on time during this period you may lose entitlement to the payment of interest on sum overpaid as a result of a successful appeal and your account will be subject to recovery action.