What are business rates?

Definition of business rates

Business rates are what businesses pay on their offices and factories instead of council tax.

If you have a small business, you may be entitled to small business rate relief to reduce how much you have to pay for business rates.

It's the end of the tax return as we know it! Find out about HMRC’s Making Tax Digital plan and how it will affect you with our free guide.

To find out how much you may have to pay you can enter your business's postcode into this business rates tool from the Valuation Office Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

I work from home, do I have to pay business rates instead of (or as well as) council tax?

That depends on what your business does and what work you carry out at home. Visit the HMRC website for more information on whether or not your business is eligible for business rates.

Got questions? Ask Emily!

FreeAgent's Chief Accountant Emily Coltman is available to answer your questions in the comments.