Every non-domestic property in England, unless it is exempt, has a rateable value. This figure broadly represents the yearly rent a property could have been let for on the open market on a particular date. The valuation office usually revalues properties every three years. The current list was published on 1 April 2023.
Each year the government sets two multipliers or 'poundages'. The two multipliers are:
- the small business multiplier - applies to those who qualify for small business relief . For 2023/24 it has been set at 49.9 pence in the pound. For 2022/23 it was also 49.9 pence in the pound.
- for everyone else the standard multiplier for 2023/24 has been set at 51.2 pence in the pound. For 2022/23 it was also 51.2 pence in the pound.
These figures apply from the start of the rating year and are the same for all non-domestic properties in England. The poundages are amended each year but cannot increase by more than the rate of inflation.
We work out the yearly business rate bill for a property by multiplying the rateable value by the appropriate multiplier (shown on the front of the rates bill).
However, this figure may be affected by transitional adjustments, which limit the amount by which a bill can be increased compared with the previous year.
We explain transitional adjustments in more detail in another factsheet. See Transitional arrangements for more information.
There are reductions and exemptions for some properties. See Business rates reductions