What is BUSINESS RATES RELIEF?

Business Rates Relief, refers to a scheme implemented by the government to provide financial support to businesses by reducing  their business rates liabilities.

Business rates relief is typically offered during certain circumstances or to specific types of businesses to help alleviate the burden of these taxes. The relief aims to support economic growth, encourage business development, and provide assistance during challenging times.

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The businesses that fit into the eligibility criteria for Business Rates Relief consist of:

  1.  Small Businesses: Small businesses often qualify for various forms of business rates relief. The specific criteria may include having a low   rateable value of the property or qualifying for Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). SBRR is typically available to businesses with a rateable   value below a certain threshold, although the exact threshold can vary depending on the location.
  2.  Retail Businesses: Retail businesses, especially those operating on the high street, may be eligible for retail-specific rates relief. This relief   is designed to support the retail sector, and businesses meeting the defined criteria can receive a significant reduction in their business   rates bills.
  3.  Rural Businesses: Certain relief schemes target businesses located in designated rural areas. These schemes aim to support the local   economy by offering reduced business rates to businesses operating in rural regions.
  4.  Specific Industries or Sectors: In some cases, business rates relief may be offered to specific industries or sectors as part of government   initiatives. For example, certain enterprise zones or development areas may provide enhanced relief to attract investment and promote   growth in particular sectors.

In order to benefit from Business Rates Relief (BRR), you could take the following steps: 

  1.  Firstly, determine Eligibility: Understand the eligibility criteria, review the requirements, and determine if your business meets the criteria. For instance, having a low rateable value, operating in a specific sector, or being located in a designated rural area. 

  2.  Contact Us: Secondly, speak with a member if our team and enquire about the available relief schemes. Counting King will then provide you with detailed information on suitable relief schemes, application processes, and assistance with any supporting documents required. 

  3.  Gather Required Information: Thirdly, compile all necessary information and documentation needed for the application. This can include details about your business, the property you occupy, and your business rates account. Examples of documents you may need to provide include: proof of occupancy, financial statements, or other supporting evidence.

  4.  Application Process: Then, this usually involves submitting an application form, alongside supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility. The application may require details about your business, the property you occupy, and your business rates account.

  5.  Review and Assessment: Above all, once your application is received, it will be reviewed and assessed by the relevant authority. They will verify the eligibility of your business and the accuracy of the information provided. 

  6.  Notification of Outcome: Finally, you will receive a notification regarding the outcome of your application. If approved, the notification will outline the relief you are eligible for and the period it covers. It may also provide instructions on how the relief will be applied to your business rates account.

  7. Implementation Of Relief: If your application is successful, the relief will be implemented by the local council or relevant authority. Your business rates bill will be adjusted accordingly, reflecting the approved relief.

 

It’s important to note that even after receiving business rates relief, you are still responsible for any compliance requirements. This may include submitting regular updates, notifying the council of any changes in circumstances, or renewing your relief application when necessary.

Business Rates Relief (BRR) can provide many benefits, and have many positive impacts on you and your business. These benefits include: 

  1.  Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages of BRR is the potential for cost savings. By reducing or eliminating your business rates     liability, you can lower your overall operating expenses. This can free up financial resources which can be reinvested into your business,     used for expansion, or allocated to other areas of need.

  2.  Improved Cash Flow: BRR can help improve your cash flow. Instead of allocating a portion of your budget towards business rates payments, you can redirect those funds to other areas of your business. This can provide you with greater flexibility and financial stability.

  3.  Competitive Advantage: If your business operates in a sector eligible for specific relief schemes, such as retail relief, the reduction in   business rates can give you a competitive advantage. It allows you to offer competitive pricing, invest in marketing or customer   experience enhancements, or even allocate funds towards business development activities.

  4.  Support During Challenging Times: BRR often becomes particularly relevant during challenging economic periods or unforeseen   circumstances. Relief measures can provide temporary financial support, allowing your business to navigate difficult times and maintain stability.

  5.  Local Support and Recognition: Depending on the relief schemes in place, benefiting from BRR can demonstrate that your business is   supported the government. This can contribute to a positive reputation and enhance your standing within the local community.

  6.  Incentive for Business Location: In some cases, BRR may be offered in specific areas or enterprise zones to attract businesses and   promote investment. If your business operates in such an area, the relief can act as an incentive for you to establish or expand your   operations there, taking advantage of the associated benefits and opportunities.

THE COUNTING KING Business Rates relief Process

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Business Rates Relief is NOT administered by HMRC, but rather the purview of local authorities! Here’s an overview of their process for claiming Business Rates Relief:

  1. Guidance and Information: HMRC may provide general guidance and information on business rates and related tax matters. However, they can also help clarify any tax implications or regulations that businesses should be aware of in relation to business rates relief.

  2. Interaction with Local Authorities: HMRC works closely with local authorities, providing guidance and support to help ensure the proper administration of business rates. They may collaborate on issues related to valuation, exemptions, or reliefs, sharing information and expertise as needed.

  3. Liaising with Tax Advisors: HMRC engages with tax advisors and professional bodies to provide guidance and clarification on business rates matters. Tax advisors can seek HMRC’s input or clarification on specific tax-related aspects of business rates relief for their clients.

  4. Supporting Legislation and Regulations: HMRC may have involvement in developing or updating legislation and regulations related to business rates and associated relief schemes. However, they also contribute their expertise and knowledge to ensure that the tax aspects of business rates relief are properly defined and implemented.

Business Rates Relief (BRR) offers many benefits! These benefits include:

  1.  Cost Savings: Firstly, one of the primary benefits of business rates relief is the potential for cost savings. By reducing or eliminating your business   rates liability, you can lower your operating expenses. This frees up financial resources that can be reinvested in your business for growth,   hiring additional staff, purchasing equipment, or expanding operations.

  2. Improved Cash Flow: Secondly, business rates relief can significantly improve your cash flow. Instead of allocating a significant portion of your budget towards business rates payments, you can redirect those funds to other areas of your business. This increased liquidity can enhance your ability to manage day-to-day operations, meet financial obligations, and respond to unexpected expenses.

  3.  Enhanced Competitiveness: Thirdly, business rates relief can provide a competitive advantage to eligible businesses. By reducing their financial   burden, businesses can offer more competitive pricing, invest in marketing campaigns, improve products or services, or expand their   offerings. This enhanced competitiveness can attract more customers and help businesses thrive in their respective markets.

  4.  Support During Challenging Times: In some instances, BRR often becomes particularly valuable during challenging economic periods or unforeseen   circumstances. During times of economic downturns, natural disasters, or other crises, relief measures can provide temporary financial   support to businesses, helping them to maintain stability.

  5.  Local Authority Support and Recognition: Moreover, benefiting from business rates relief demonstrates that your business is supported by local   authorities and the government. This recognition can contribute to a positive reputation within the community, foster stronger   relationships with local stakeholders, and potentially open doors to additional support or opportunities.

  6.  Incentive for Business Location: In some cases, business rates relief may be offered in specific areas or enterprise zones to attract   businesses and promote investment. If your business operates in such a location, the relief can act as an incentive for you to establish or   expand your operations there, taking advantage of the associated benefits, infrastructure, or business network.

In conclusion, it’s important to note that the specific benefits and impact of business rates relief will depend on various factors. For example, the relief scheme, the extent of the relief provided, and your business’s individual circumstances.

Work with Counting King and we will provide personalised advice based on your specific situation!

Case Studies

Business Rates Relief

How we helped a small retail business save £6,500 per year!

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