Revaluation of Business Rates

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) regularly updates the rateable values of all business and other non-domestic properties (properties that are not just private homes) in England and Wales.

This is called a revaluation.

Rateable values are the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date.

The 2023 revaluation

For the 2023 valuation, that date was 1 April 2021.

We use these rateable values to calculate business rates bills.

Revaluations are carried out to reflect changes in the property market, which means that business rates bills are based on more up-to-date information.

The next revaluation will come into effect on 1 April 2023.

Contacting the Valuation Office Agency

We are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill.

The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property.

You will therefore need to contact the VOA for all queries about your rateable value.

Finding your rateable value

You are now able to see the future rateable value for your property and get an estimate of what your 2023/24 business rates bill may be.

You can do this through the VOA’s Find a Business Rates Valuation Service on GOV.UK.

Your property details need changing

To tell the VOA about changes to your property details (such as floor area sizes and parking) you need a business rates valuation account.

The VOA may accept your changes and update the current and future valuations.

You think your rateable value is too high?

From 1 April 2023, you will need to use a business rates valuation account to tell the VOA you think your rateable value is too high.

You must continue to pay your business rates as normal until a decision has been made.

How Coronavirus (Covid 19) affected future rateable values

The VOA bases most rateable values on an estimate of what it would cost to rent a property for a year, starting on a certain date.

For the 2023 valuation, that date was 1 April 2021. This was during the pandemic and the rent information the VOA used reflected this.

The 2017 non-domestic rating list is closing

The VOA will be using their Twitter channel to encourage ratepayers to check the factual information they hold on your property is correct.

The VOA highlight that you have up until midnight 31 March 2023 to submit a check to ensure you don’t lose out on any reliefs or adjustments to your business rates bill.

The VOA have advised customers to do this as soon as possible in an article on the VOA home page, especially you have not got an account on the Government Gateway.

You will need to create an account and claim your property before they can make a check.

From 1 April 2023, you will only be able to make a check against the 2023 rating list.

As the 2017 rating list will be closed there are only limited circumstances in which further amendments may be made to it.

Following outstanding checks submitted prior to 1 April 2023 and any subsequent challenges and appeals
The VOA can alter the 2017 list up to 31 March 2024. This allows them to clear existing cases/reports and enables you to submit reports that have a retrospective element regarding the 2017 list. If the VOA make any alterations to the 2017 list, they will advise you that you have the right to make a check within 6 months of the date of their alteration.
A customer has the right to challenge the 2017 list on the grounds of a tribunal or court decision, provided a check has been made by 30 September 2023.
After 31 March 2024 the 2017 list may only be altered because of a challenge or appeal.

Visit the VOA website

Using an agent

If you want to authorise an agent to act on your behalf, you can appoint one using through your Business Rates Valuation Account.