Business Rates Resources

The Check Challenge Appeal process typically takes 6-12 months. The initial Check stage takes up to 12 months, followed by the Challenge stage which can take an additional 6-12 months if needed.

Yes, you can submit a Check Challenge yourself through the VOA website. However, many businesses choose to work with specialists who understand the complexities of the system and can build stronger cases.

The rateable value is the VOA's estimate of what your property could rent for on the open market at a specific valuation date. Your annual business rates bill is calculated by multiplying your RV by the current multiplier.

You can submit a Check at any time if you believe your rateable value is wrong. Common reasons include: the property details are incorrect, comparable properties pay less, or there have been material changes to your property or area.

Useful evidence includes: your lease showing actual rent paid, details of physical issues or disadvantages, floor plans, trading accounts (for pubs/hotels), and information about comparable properties.

From 1 April 2026 there are five multipliers: 43.2p small business standard and 38.2p small business retail/hospitality/leisure (RHL) for properties with RV below £51,000; 48.0p standard and 43.0p standard RHL for RV from £51,000 to £499,999; and 50.8p for large properties with RV of £500,000 or more.

The 31 March 2026 deadline was for formally challenging your rateable value on the 2023 list — it doesn’t affect relief or billing corrections. Relief you never claimed (such as small business rate relief or retail, hospitality and leisure relief) and billing errors (wrong multiplier, wrong transitional relief, wrong billing period) are reviewed directly by your council, separately from a VOA valuation challenge, and some reliefs can be backdated up to 6 years. It typically takes weeks rather than months and doesn’t need a VOA agent appointment. Some elements, like backdated relief, are at your council’s discretion, so we can’t promise an outcome — but if you’ve never had your account reviewed, it’s usually worth asking.