{"id":1560,"date":"2025-10-06T16:03:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T16:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-are-business-rates\/"},"modified":"2026-01-28T10:11:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T10:11:43","slug":"what-are-business-rates","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-are-business-rates\/","title":{"rendered":"What are business rates? Small businesses prepare for revaluation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business rates are a tax paid by businesses with a commercial property \u2013 and significant changes are on the way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government&#8217;s latest reforms on business rates were revealed in the 2025 Autumn Budget, so it\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019re aware of what this means for your tax bill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading to understand more about business rates, how much you need to pay, and <a href=\"#challenging-rates\">how to challenge revaluation<\/a> (if you need to).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-s-changing-from-april-2026\"><strong>What\u2019s changing from April 2026?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">revaluation of all properties in England and Wales, based on rateable values from 1 April 2024<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">new, permanently lower multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in England under \u00a3500,000<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">emergency support package for pubs and music venues in England \u2013 with a 15 per cent discount on bills for 2026-27<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">new banding for discounts for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">the Valuation Office Agency will merge with HMRC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-smes-urged-to-check-business-rates-valuation\">SMEs urged to check business rates valuation <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government is urging small business owners to check the valuation of their commercial property by signing into their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/news\/stay-informed-about-your-business-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Business Rates Valuation Account<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This will tell you the rateable value of your property (and the future value) to give you an indication of how much your business rates bill will be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small businesses are concerned how the 2026 revaluation of properties is going to affect their bill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"challenging-rates\">Challenging your rateable value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you see your new valuation and think it\u2019s too high, you can use your valuation account to start an appeal process in England and Wales.\u00a0However, the deadline for appealing your new rate is <strong>31 March 2026<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Commercial business insurance can help you if you need professional advice or support making a legal challenge. Always check your policy documents to see what\u2019s covered in your policy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex has-2-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#what-are\">what are business rates?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#calculated\">how business rates are calculated<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#relief\">small business rates relief<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#hospitality\">new multipliers for retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#voa\">how to use the VOA business rates checker<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#exemptions\">business rates exemptions<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#calculator\">how to use a business rates calculator&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"#home\">business rates if you work from home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are\">What are business rates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business rates are taxes designed to help fund services in your local authority. The government charges business rates on properties like offices, shops, pubs, and warehouses \u2013 most non-domestic properties will need to pay business rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They may also be charged where only part of a building is used for non-domestic purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business rates are handled differently if your property is in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mygov.scot\/non-domestic-rates-guidance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Scotland<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk\/content\/business-rates-basics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Northern Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"calculated\">How are business rates calculated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business rates are calculated using a property\u2019s \u2018rateable value\u2019. The rateable value is a property\u2019s estimated value on the open market. The last revaluation, which came into effect on 1 April 2023, refers to values as of 1 April 2021. Revaluation is conducted by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/valuation-office-agency\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Valuation Office Agency<\/a> (VOA) and usually happens every three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next business rates revaluation is set for April 2026, with the rates usually available to see a few months before this.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New multiplier rates were announced for 2026-2027 in the <a data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"40771\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-news\/autumn-budget-2025-for-small-business-3\/\">Autumn Budget<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll soon be able to log in to your business rates account to see the new valuation of your property and work out what your new bill will be next spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This system is referring to properties in England and Wales, but Scotland is also changing its system properties will go through revaluation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"scam-calls\">How much are business rates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s possible to estimate your business rates by multiplying your property\u2019s rateable value by the relevant number (minus any business rate relief you\u2019re eligible for).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Year<\/td><td>Standard multiplier*<\/td><td>Small business multiplier*<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2026-2027<\/td><td>48.0p&nbsp;<\/td><td>43.2p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2025-2026<\/td><td>55.5p<\/td><td>49.9p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2024-2025<\/td><td>54.6p<\/td><td>49.9p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2023-2024<\/td><td>51.2p<\/td><td>49.9p<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2022-2023<\/td><td>51.2p<\/td><td>49.9p<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses with premises with a rateable value above \u00a351,000 pay the standard multiplier, while those with a rateable value below \u00a351,000 pay the small business multiplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But there are different multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties \u2013 <a href=\"#hospitality\">more on this below<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From 2026-27 onwards, there will be a new high-value multiplier of 50.8p for properties with a rateable value of \u00a3500,000 and over. The standard multiplier will apply to properties with a rateable value of \u00a351,000 to \u00a3499,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>*These rates apply to properties in England<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"relief\">What is the small business rates relief?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reliefs are available for some properties in England \u2013 the most useful for small firms is the small business rate relief. You can get this relief if your property has a rateable value of less than \u00a315,000, and generally if your business only uses one property:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">full relief is available on properties with a rateable value of \u00a312,000 or less<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">for those between \u00a312,001 and \u00a315,000, relief goes down gradually from <strong>100 per cent<\/strong> to <strong>zero per cent<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re a small business but you don\u2019t qualify for small business rate relief, your bill will still be worked out using the lower small business multiplier (for properties with a rateable value below \u00a351,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are other business rates reliefs available, including the rural rate relief and charitable rate relief. You can read more about these on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/apply-for-business-rate-relief\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">government website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-30c80bf8 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:35px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hospitality\">Lower multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure from 2026&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business rates relief is changing for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) businesses in England, such as shops, restaurants, and gyms. For 2025-26 billing year, these businesses have been able to claim a 40 per cent discount (up to a maximum of \u00a3110,000).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this scheme will be replaced with new lower rates from 2026, which the government says should avoid the \u2018annual cliff-edge\u2019 businesses face under the current system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From April 2026, the following rates will apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>RHL business with a rateable value of less than \u00a351,000<\/strong> will pay a small business multiplier of 38.2p<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>RHL business with a rateable value of more than \u00a351,000<\/strong> will pay a standard multiplier of 43.0p<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The changes will apply only to properties with rateable values less than \u00a3500,000, but this could see lower bills for some in April 2026. Properties with a value of \u00a3500,000 and above will face a higher multiplier of 50.8p to fund lower costs for smaller businesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Welsh government is also proposing lower multipliers for shops, kiosks, and post offices with a rateable value of \u00a351,000 or less.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-300-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-69910985 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:10px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--90)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-work-out-business-rates-an-example\">How to work out business rates \u2013 an example<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You run a business with a premises that has a rateable value of \u00a321,000. Using the small business multiplier (49.9p for each pound your premises is valued at), your total business rates would be \u00a310,479.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other hand, if your business premises have a value of less than \u00a315,000, you\u2019d be able to apply for small business rates relief to reduce your bill. Read more about business rates relief for small businesses below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"voa\">Using the VOA business rates checker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government has a tool you can use to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/correct-your-business-rates\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">check the VOA\u2019s rateable value for your property<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a useful tool, because if you think that your rateable value is wrong, your business rates could be too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the tool, you can request changes to property or valuation details, see the valuation details of other properties, and apply to change the rateable value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need to use this tool if you want to estimate your business rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"calculator\">Business rates calculator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to estimate your business rates bill, you&#8217;ll need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/correct-your-business-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">find out your property\u2019s rateable value<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this you can find the correct multiplier, which will depend on the rateable value. Then, deduct any reliefs you\u2019re entitled to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/calculate-your-business-rates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">use the government\u2019s business rates calculator<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is a guide only \u2013 but for more help with business rates, the government says you can contact qualified surveyors. They list the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rics.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)<\/a>, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.irrv.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV)<\/a> and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ratingsurveyorsassociation.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Rating Surveyors Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exemptions\">Is there a business rates exemption?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you can get relief on your business rates, it could mean you\u2019re exempt from paying. However, in most cases it will just be a reduction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are some buildings that are totally exempt from business rates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">agricultural land and buildings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">buildings used for the welfare or training of disabled people<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">church halls or buildings registered for public religious worship<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"home\">Business rates and working from home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won\u2019t generally have to pay business rates if you use a small part of your home for business purposes (for example, if you use a room as an office).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But in some circumstances you\u2019ll have to pay business rates on top of council tax \u2013 if, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">your property&#8217;s split into domestic and business parts, for example in the case of a flat above a shop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you sell things to people who visit the property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you employ anyone at your property<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">you\u2019ve made changes to your home so you can run your business (like converting your garage)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re not sure whether or not you should be paying business rates, you should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact-voa\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">contact the VOA<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-useful-articles-for-small-businesses\">More useful articles for small businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/when-is-corporation-tax-due\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1592\">Corporation tax: a guide for small businesses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-tax\/dividend-tax-simplified-a-guide-for-small-business-owners\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1377\">A guide to dividend tax and the dividend tax rate<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1418\">A guide to going self-employed in the UK<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/do-i-need-business-insurance\/\">Why do I need business insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"isyourbusinessinsured\">Is your business insured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">We have 800,000 UK policies plus a 9\/10 satisfaction score. Why not take a look at our expert <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\">business insurance<\/a> options &#8211; including <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">professional indemnity<\/a> &#8211; and run a quick quote to get started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Business rates are changing, here&#8217;s what you need to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":42450,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"2026-01-28T09:05:01","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[344,345,355,347,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[25],"class_list":["post-1560","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-tax","category-hospitality","category-health-and-beauty","category-retail","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What are business rates? Small businesses prepare for revaluation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you have a business property, you need to understand business rates. Find out what business rates are and what&#039;s changing in April 2026.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-tax\/what-are-business-rates\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What are business rates? 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