Swindon & Wiltshire News
Business rates appeals: Time is running out
Time is running out for business owners who are thinking of lodging an appeal against the level of business rates they are charged.
Commercial property expert Andrew Kilpatrick, of Kilpatrick & Co, says those who leave their appeal under after the end of March could miss out on five years’ worth of rates refunds.
“The clock is ticking away to the new rates appeal deadline of March 31,” he said. “Businesses need to take urgent action because if a valid appeal has not been made before April 1, your business could potentially miss out on five years of rates refunds.
“Appeal made after April 1 will only qualify for rates savings from that date and will not get any savings for the period from 2010 to 2015.”
Mr Kilpatrick also warned business owners against using unscrupulous rates advisors, who are using telesales firms to sign up businesses. “Many of these companies have a very poor success rate,” he noted.
Anyone seeking professional rating advice can contact Kilpatrick & Co at post@kilpatrick-cpc.co.uk, or on 01793 643101. Kilpatrick & Co’s latest rates newsletter is available on request, free of charge, covering details of the Uniform Business Rate for 2015/16, amendments to Retail Rate Relief, Small Business Rate Relief, Transitional Arrangements and other new developments in rating.
