After 30 years practising in rating valuation and business rates, never have we witnessed such a turbulent and unpredictable set of circumstances constantly presenting opportunities for Landlords and occupiers to review their business rates and take positive action to make sure that this annual cost is kept under review.
The Government have yet to publish their plans to start paying back the debt that COVID has built up for the Country. Whilst there is a moral obligation to pay your fair proportion of the burden, it is equally matched by paying the correct amount and not a “computer automated guess” amount as presented so often by an over-stretched Valuation Office Agency.
Primmer Olds presents our top 5 actions to make sure you guard your resources and do not become victim of a scam.
unless you are sure they are a registered firm of Chartered Surveyors. The market is flooded with unqualified marketing organisations promising much in return for advance fees or other schemes to take money from you. Do not engage.
and claim your properties, it is a relatively demanding exercise but should take no longer than compiling a tax return. You cannot “appeal” (Check, Challenge, Appeal) your assessment unless you are registered on the VOA portal. We offer a simple registration service for our clients in the event that you do not want to disclose your passport and National Insurance numbers to the portal.
Reductions in liability are often backdated to 1 April 2017, so if you are receiving retail or hospitality relief this year, do not think it is not worthwhile – those refund for the 2017/18, 2018/19 and 2019/20 rate years will probably be very welcome if you can win your case?
If your property is empty and you are paying empty rates then please contact us to discuss empty rates advice. Not every property is obliged to pay empty rates, you may be planning a redevelopment or simply your tenant has gone missing, these circumstances are pivotal as to whether you have to pay empty rates or not.
If part of your property is vacant or you have organised a sub-letting, you should consider splitting the assessment so one or both of you might qualify for Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR)?
Villiers Chartered Surveyors offers comprehensive professional services to occupiers and landlords alike, business rates is a complex area and only a qualified Chartered Surveyor should be advising you. Our highly experienced team will be pleased to offer initial advice and assist you with reducing your rates liability in the future.
Regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
3rd Floor 86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE
Phone: 0203 888 1000
Email: enquiries@villiers.ltd
