Rateable values: It can be complex

All businesses that operate from premises or land are liable for business rates - whether occupied or not.

Business rates are a tax essentially based on the rental value of the property.The rateable value is calculated by the local valuation office which is an executive agency of the Inland Revenue. All rateable values are multiplied by the Uniform Business Rate set by central government to calculate your business rate liability.

Many businesses are rated on a different basis. For example: Public houses and larger hotels are rated on turnover, Petrol filling stations are rated on throughput of fuel and / or square meterage.

Specialist rating sections cover garden centres, fuel depots, mines, holiday parks, charities, schools and stables.