How are Business Rates Calculated?

Estimating your business rates depends on the location of your property. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on where your property is situated

England and Wales

  1. Determine the Rateable Value:

    • Find the rateable value of your property. This is an estimate of its open market rental value as of 1 April 2021.

  2. Identify the Appropriate Multiplier:

    • For Properties with a Rateable Value of £51,000 or More:

      • Use the standard multiplier.

    • For Properties with a Rateable Value Below £51,000:

      • Use the small business multiplier.

  3. Calculate Your Business Rates:

    • Multiply your property’s rateable value by the appropriate multiplier to get the basic business rates (before any relief).

  4. Apply Any Business Rate Relief:

    • Deduct any applicable business rate relief from your calculated amount. This may include:

      • Small Business Rate Relief: If your rateable value is below £15,000, you might qualify for this relief.

      • Transitional Relief: If your business rates are increasing due to the 2023 revaluation, this relief helps phase in changes gradually.

Example Calculation:

  • Property Rateable Value: £10,000

  • Multiplier for 2023 to 2024: 49.9 pence

Calculation:

  1. £10,000 (rateable value) × £0.499 (multiplier) = £4,990 (basic business rates)

  • Potential Relief: If eligible for small business rate relief, this amount may be reduced further.

Rate Multipliers by Year:

2024 to 2025

Standard Rate: 54.6 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.9 pence

2023 to 2024

Standard Rate: 51.2 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.9 pence

2022 to 2023

Standard Rate: 51.2 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.9 pence

2021 to 2022

Standard Rate: 51.2 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.9 pence

2020 to 2021

Standard Rate: 51.2 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.9 pence

2019 to 2020

Standard Rate: 50.4 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 49.1 pence

2018 to 2019

Standard Rate: 49.3 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 48.0 pence

2017 to 2018

Standard Rate: 47.9 pence

Small Business Multiplier: 46.6 pence

  • Pre-2017 to 2018: Use the small business multiplier if your rateable value is below £18,000 (£25,500 in Greater London).

Note: If your property is in Wales or the City of London, different multipliers may apply. For properties in Scotland or Northern Ireland, a different calculation method is used.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

  • Scotland:

    • Business rates are calculated using a rateable value and a rate poundage set annually by the Scottish Government. You can find the current rate poundage on the Scottish Government's website or through your local council.

  • Northern Ireland:

    • Business rates are calculated using a rateable value and a rate in the pound set by the Northern Ireland Executive. Check the latest rate in the pound on the Northern Ireland Executive’s website or with your local council.

By following these steps and using the appropriate multipliers for your region, you can estimate your business rates and understand how much you’ll need to pay, before any applicable reliefs. Always check with your local council or relevant authority for the most current rates and relief options available to you.

Need to Declare Rental Income?

Our team of tax specialists are here to help you every step of the way, whether you are operating as a sole trader or a limited company. We offer fixed priced accountancy services and handle all of your filing responsibilities leaving you stress free and up to date.

Whether you have received rental income as a sole trader or as a business, give us a call today for a free non obligated consultation to see how we can assist you.

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