Business Rates

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on these pages please contact business.rates@rbwm.gov.uk

SCAM WARNING!

There has been a recent report in the news about people in another area being approached by bogus Business Rates officials, asking for their bank details.

People are being told that they are due a refund of Business Rates and are then asked for their bank details to allow them to receive the refund.

The Royal Borough would like to make people aware that it does not telephone or e-mail people for their bank details in order to make refunds. Nor does it employ third parties to issue refunds.

If you are due a refund, you will be told in writing. Refunds of Business Rates are paid by cheque so the Council would have no reason to ask for your bank account details.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to be from the Council, and you are unsure, please ask them for their name and extension, and then call the Council on 01628 683800 to speak to them.

Although no business of the borough has reported that they have been approached in this way, we would ask ratepayers to be vigilant and make sure their bank details are kept safe.

What are Business Rates?

Business Rates (National Non-Domestic Rates) are the way in which businesses and other occupiers of non-domestic properties contribute towards the costs of local authority services. The tax is set by the Government and is based on the rateable Value of the property. Business Rates are collected by the Council and are paid into a central pool maintained by the Government. This money is then redistributed to all local authorities in proportion to the adult population of each authority.

You can now pay Business Rates online using a credit or debit card.

The My Business Rates website provides businesses with a single source of clear and concise information on business rates. People can find out how the 2010 valuations have been arrived at and can use the ready-reckoner for calculating their likely rate bill for next year.

Further Information:

If you need any further information or assistance, please contact the Valuation Office Who are part of HMRC and are responsible for setting rateable values on non domestic properties, on:

Tel: 0118 980 4800

Email: readinggroup.vo@voa.gsi.gov.uk

By Post: Kings Wharf, 20 - 30 Kings Road, Reading RG1 3ER

How do you rate this information/service?