How is my bill calculated?

Rateable values are determined by the Valuation Office Agency who are part of the Inland Revenue. Their address is: The Valuation Officer, Valuation Office Agency, Durham Customer Service Centre, Wycliffe House, Green Lane, Durham, DH1 3UW. Tel: 03000 501501. 

The amount that you are required to pay may vary upward or downward to reflect the changes of the transitional scheme which limits increases or decreases in the amount payable following a revaluation. All non domestic properties are shown in a rating list for each authority. A revaluation of all non domestic properties is carried out every 5 years when a new rating list comes into force. Copies of the rating lists for Boston are available at the Municipal Buildings or from the valuation office website.

The rateable value of a property is based on the annual rent which the valuation officer believes would be agreed on the open market at the valuation date. The valuation date is always two years prior to the beginning of the rating list, so the valuation date for the 2023 list was 1 April 2021.

The rateable value is not your rates bill. We calculate your rates bill by multiplying the rateable value by a figure called a multiplier which is set by central government, and then we apply any reliefs to your account that you are entitled to.

The valuation officer may alter the rateable value if he believes that there has been a change in circumstances; for example where your premises have been extended or converted into 2 units. He may also alter the list to include any newly constructed properties. Any changes are then notified to you and the council and an amended bill will be issued to you.

If you feel that the rateable value of your property is incorrect you may need appeal to the valuation officer.

Whilst awaiting the outcome of an appeal, the business rates must be paid. In certain circumstances interest is payable where an overpayment is found to have been made.