Business Rates - General Information
How we provide this service
The administration and collection of business rates is done on behalf of the Government by South Holland District Council and is supported by Finance, Rating and Recovery.
The Basics of Business Rates
Business Rate charges are based on the Rateable Value (R.V.) of the property. This RV is not decided by us, it is calculated by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) - part of the Inland Revenue. They tell us what the RV is for every property. A national Re-Valuation of all business rate RV's took place on 1 April 2005.
We aim to issue accurate rate bills promptly to everyone who has a liability. Several things can affect the amount to be paid such as buying, selling, renting or leasing a property. We also need to know if a property becomes empty or is re-occupied and if you move into a new property or extend or alter an existing one. Charges can be paid monthly - for a full year's charge there are 10 instalments from April to January. Accounts issued during the year have a smaller number of instalments. WE RECOMMEND PAYMENT BY DIRECT DEBIT AS THE CHEAPEST AND MOST EFFICIENT WAY TO PAY.
Fax: 01775 711253
Email: info@sholland.gov.uk
Address: South Holland District Council, Benefit and Revenues Team, PO Box 8, Priory Road, Spalding, Lincs. PE11 2XQ
What to do to get this service
Contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or alternatively email them at info@sholland.gov.uk
Further Information on this service
Some Business Rate charges can be reduced - the most common reasons are an entitlement to Small Business Rate Relief or when a property becomes empty. Some ratepayers can apply for relief because of their status. Examples of these are charities, non-profit making organisations, sports clubs, and some rural businesses.
Who can apply?
Anyone who is currently, or may become, a business ratepayer in our area.
How much will it cost?
All advice and guidance is free.
How long will I have to wait for a response?
The majority of enquiries receive an immediate response. Those of a more technical nature normally receive a response within 10 working days.
How long will the whole process take?
Most matters are dealt with within 10 working days of us receiving the information.
Contact Name for this service
Customer Services
Telephone number for this service
01775 761161
Links to forms, leaflets and websites providing more information
If you need more information about a rateable value, or how it is calculated, you can contact them at Queensgate House, 12, Silver Street, LINCOLN LN2 1EW telephone 01522 340300. RV's can also be viewed on voa.gov.uk
Further information is available to business ratepayers on mybusinessrates.gov.uk. If you want to claim a property as empty, download an application form. This then needs to be completed, signed and sent to us.
If you are thinking of renting a business premises you can view frequently asked questions and download an information leaflet at Taking on New Business Premises on the Communities and Local Government site.
Common Questions
Q. Do I have to pay if my property is empty?
A. All empty properties qualify for full relief for the first 3 months they are empty. After 3 months the majority of empty properties have a full charge to pay. This is called the empty property rate. Some properties qualify for a full exemption - for example listed buildings. (See separate section Reduction for Empty Properties)
Q. Can I appeal against the charge?
A. You can't appeal against the charge but you can against the RV - to do this you need to contact the VOA. Until a reduction has been agreed you have to pay the existing charges.
Further Common Questions
Q. If I am having difficulty paying the charges what should I do
A. Contact the Rating & Recovery Section. We will be as helpful as we can but may not be able avoid court proceedings in all cases.
Printed leaflets available providing more information
Additional information is shown on the reverse side of all business rate bills.
How do you rate this information / service?
Contact Details
If you have any queries about the information provided above, or require further information, please contact Customer Services on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk.
Business Rates - 2005 Re-Valuation
Business Rates - Small Business Rate Relief
