Business Rates - Not Recieved a Bill

[T16OLE]

We bought a commercial property last July, its circa 10,000sq ft.

We've been putting money away each month for business rates, circa £1,000pm

Up to now, we've not received any bill from the council, is this normal? And what's the best course of action? Shall I call it the council?

Any advice welcomed

[dartissimus]

At the end of May, the council will notice no payments made so expect a threatening letter.

Look up the advertisement for the building it usually states how much the rates are.

If the rates are low enough, small business rates relief means that there's nothing to pay anyway.

[PurpleMoonlight]

Have you informed the council of the new entity responsible for he rates following your purchase?

[fridaypassion]

A grand a month for 10000 sqft?

[dartissimus]

fridaypassion said:

A grand a month for 10000 sqft?

West Yorks £750 p.m. for 10 months, (10,450)

Yes, I know

[fridaypassion]

Not bad going that. I'm in Wakefield we just got full exemption on 5000 ft.

[Chrisgr31]

You have no obligation to notify the Council that you believe that you are liable for rates, it is up to them to find you and issue the bill. This usually happens when the previous ratepayer realises that they are still paying so calls the council to advise they are no longer liable.

Obviously if the Council write to you, you cannot be untruthful in response. There have been cases that have determined that if a demand is not served in a reasonable time then the occupier does not have to pay. However arguing the point may not be cheap!

I would carry on saving the money and then consider what to do when the Council issue a demand. If its in the next couple of months you might want to start paying the current year and argue that you should not have to pay last year. I have done it successfully on a couple of occasions but one of those involved an actual liability hearing and was exceptionally expensive!