Business rates: who pays and how much

Summary

How much?

The charge for commercial properties is calculated by taking the property’s 'rateable value', and multiplying it by a business rate set each year by the Government.

Who pays?

Business rates are paid by people occpuying commercial premises, but if the property is empty the owner or leaseholder pays. For three months after a property becomes empty no business rates are payable. After that, 50% of the normal bill must be paid.

Further information

For some types of properties like factories and workshops, no rates are payable whilst the property is empty. Tell us about an empty property you own.

Rateable value is based on the amount the premises could be let for, and can be found out by doing a postcode search on the Valuation Office website.

You may qualify for a discount on your business rates, or your property may be totally exempt - see our Business rates reductions & exemptions pages for details.

External links

Valuation Office Agency: rateable values
Find out the rateable value of your property by doing a quick postcode search


About links to other websites.

Contact us

contact officer/team: Business Rates Officer
web: online enquiry form
email: nndr@s-norfolk.gov.uk
freephone: 0808 178 7142
telephone: 01508 533885
minicom/textphone: 01508 533622
address: South Norfolk Council
South Norfolk House
Swan Lane
Long Stratton
Norwich NR15 2XE

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Last updated on: 07 April 2008