How to Use a Business Rates Checker to Save Money on Your Property

In 2025, with rising property costs and updated valuations across the UK, understanding your business rates is more important than ever. These rates are a form of local tax applied to non-domestic properties—shops, offices, warehouses, or cafés—and they can make a significant difference to your annual expenses.

However, many property owners and small business operators end up paying more than they should simply because they don’t verify their rateable value. That’s where a Business Rates Checker becomes invaluable. By using this simple online tool, you can confirm your property’s valuation, identify potential reliefs, and even challenge incorrect assessments to save hundreds or thousands of pounds annually.

What Are Business Rates?

Business rates (sometimes called non-domestic rates) are taxes paid to local councils by businesses that occupy commercial properties. They contribute to public services such as waste collection, roads, and community upkeep.

The amount you owe depends on two key elements:

• Rateable Value (RV): Determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), this represents your property’s open market rental value.

• Multiplier: Set by the UK Government, it determines how much tax is payable per £1 of rateable value.

Formula:

Business Rates = Rateable Value × Multiplier

For instance, if your shop has a rateable value of £12,000 and the multiplier is 0.512, your annual business rates would be £6,144 before any reliefs.

Did you know? Over 30% of small UK businesses qualify for some form of rate relief but never claim it—potentially wasting thousands every year.

What Is a Business Rates Checker?

A business rates checker is an online tool that allows you to look up your property’s current rateable value and check if your bill is accurate. It uses official government or council databases to display up-to-date information on your business premises.

You can use the GOV.UK Business Rates Checker, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) site, or your local council portal to:

• View your property’s rateable value

• Check revaluation updates

• Find out which reliefs or exemptions apply

• Begin an appeal if your valuation seems too high

Using a business rates checker ensures you’re not overpaying, gives transparency about your local taxation, and helps you plan for property expenses.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Business Rates Checker

Follow these simple steps to use the GOV.UK business rates checker effectively:

1. Visit the official GOV.UK Business Rates Checker page.

2. Enter your postcode or business address.

3. Select your property from the results list.

4. Review your rateable value (RV) and property description.

5. Use the multiplier listed on GOV.UK to estimate your bill.

6. Check for any reliefs like Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) or Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief.

7. Compare values with nearby or similar properties to ensure fairness.

8. If something looks wrong, submit a “Check and Challenge” appeal to the VOA.

This simple process can be completed in less than 10 minutes and may reveal opportunities to reduce your annual payment.

How to Interpret Your Results

After running your property through a business rates checker, you’ll see details such as your rateable value, property description, and the effective date of valuation.

Here’s how to interpret those results:

• Rateable Value: The estimated rental value of your property as of the last revaluation (currently 1 April 2023 for England and Wales).

• Property Type: Ensures your building is correctly categorized (e.g., retail shop, warehouse, office).

• Effective Date: Determines which valuation period applies to your bill.

Example Calculation Table

If your rateable value seems higher than comparable properties in your area, it’s worth investigating. You can submit a Check request via the VOA to ensure your data is accurate.

Ways to Save Money Using a Business Rates Checker

The primary purpose of a business rates checker isn’t just transparency—it’s about saving money. Here’s how:

1. Identify Overvaluation

Many businesses discover that their property has been overvalued, resulting in inflated bills. By checking your rateable value, you can compare against similar properties and appeal to have it reassessed.

2. Claim Eligible Reliefs

The checker often links directly to relief options, such as:

• Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR): For properties under £15,000 rateable value.

• Rural Rate Relief: For businesses in small rural communities.

• Charitable Relief: Up to 80% discount for registered charities.

• Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief (2025): 75% discount on rates up to £110,000 per business.

3. Consolidate or Relocate

If you operate multiple properties, consider consolidating into one with a lower rateable value. Some businesses also move to co-working spaces or rural areas to minimize property costs.

4. Keep Details Updated

Always update the VOA if you make significant changes—such as renovations, expansions, or conversions—as outdated records could misrepresent your property’s true value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many businesses misuse checkers or overlook key details. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Not checking rates after a property modification

• Ignoring annual revaluation updates

• Forgetting to apply for reliefs you qualify for

• Assuming your rates are correct because they haven’t changed

• Overlooking multi-use properties or shared spaces

By regularly reviewing your business rates and keeping property information current, you can prevent unnecessary overspending.

Real-World Example: How a Small Business Saved £1,200

Consider “Green Bean Café,” a small coffee shop in Leeds with a rateable value of £16,500. After using the GOV.UK business rates checker, the owner realized similar shops nearby were listed at only £13,000.

They submitted an appeal, provided photos and rent evidence, and the Valuation Office Agency adjusted the value accordingly. The correction saved them £1,200 annually and also qualified them for partial Retail Relief, further lowering costs.

This example shows that just a few minutes spent using a business rates checker can have real financial impact.

Expert Tips for Managing Business Rates Efficiently

To keep your business rates under control in 2025 and beyond, follow these expert recommendations:

1. Review annually or whenever you renovate, expand, or relocate.

2. Set reminders before each revaluation cycle.

3. Consult a property advisor if your situation is complex (e.g., multiple premises or mixed-use buildings).

4. Keep all valuation letters and council correspondence in one place.

5. Use comparison data—look up similar properties on GOV.UK to verify fairness.

Regular monitoring helps maintain compliance, budget accuracy, and peace of mind.

Best Online Business Rates Checkers (2025 Update)

Here are the most trusted and up-to-date tools for checking and managing your business rates:

Tip: Always start with the official GOV.UK checker to ensure your data comes directly from verified government records.

Conclusion 

Using a business rates checker is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take to manage your property expenses effectively. It helps you verify accuracy, uncover reliefs, and ensure that you only pay what you truly owe.

As business costs rise in 2025, staying informed and proactive can save you significant money each year. Check your rateable value today, claim any applicable reliefs, and keep your finances lean and compliant.

FAQs About Business Rates Checker

Q1. Is it free to use a business rates checker?

Yes, most official checkers—like the GOV.UK Business Rates Checker—are completely free to use.

Q2. How often should I check my business rates?

At least once a year, or after any change to your property that could affect its valuation.

Q3. Can I appeal my rateable value if it seems too high?

Yes, you can file a “Check and Challenge” through the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) portal.

Q4. What is Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR)?

SBRR reduces or eliminates business rates for properties with a rateable value below £15,000.

Q5. How much can I save by checking my business rates?

Savings vary, but many small businesses report reclaiming £500–£5,000 per year after using a rates checker and correcting overvaluations.

Final Takeaway:

A business rates checker isn’t just a government formality—it’s a financial advantage. By taking a few minutes to verify your property data, you can uncover reliefs, appeal errors, and save thousands annually. Stay informed, stay compliant, and let smart property management power your business success in 2025.

Read More: How to Calculate Business Rates: Step-by-Step with Examples