The short version: Business rates are a tax on commercial property. If you work from a shop, office, warehouse, or other non residential premises, you’ll probably need to pay them.
Do I pay them if I work from home?
Usually not. If you just use a spare room as an office or sell things online, you’re fine. But if customers visit your home to buy things, or you’ve converted a garage into a salon, you might be liable for a portion.
What about empty buildings?
You get a three month grace period. After that, you’ll need to pay business rates even if nobody’s using the building.
Can I claim them as an expense?
Yes. If you pay business rates, you can deduct them from your profits on your Self Assessment tax return. It’s an allowable expense.
Where do I pay?
Your local council will send you a bill in February or March for the upcoming year. If you think the valuation is wrong, contact the Valuation Office Agency.
Not sure if business rates apply to you? Ask us and we’ll help you figure it out.
