What to Look for on Your New Business Rates Bill
Business rates bills have started to arrive, (with some commercial ratepayers already receiving them) and it’s essential that you understand how your bill works when the 2026/27 rating period comes into effect on 1 April 2026.
The previous 2023 rating list delivered some of the highest business rates on record. Yet the 2026 list is expected to push liabilities even higher with an average increase of 19% across England and Wales, compared to the 7.1% average in the 2023 rating list.
With new reforms taking affect including rateable values (RVs) based on 2024 rental values, the introduction of a new multi-tiered multiplier system, Duty to Notify and the discontinuation of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief, many commercial ratepayers will face their highest-ever business rates liabilities as a result.
With new reforms taking affect including rateable values (RVs) based on 2024 rental values, the introduction of a new multi-tiered multiplier system, Duty to Notify and the discontinuation of Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Relief (though pubs and music venues will benefit from a 15% discount), many commercial ratepayers will face their highest-ever business rates liabilities as a result.
Why checking your bill matters
Business rates are often assumed to be calculated fairly and accurately—but this is not always the case. The Rateable Value (RV) and distribution of bills are not managed by the same Government department:
- The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets your property’s RV and determines which multiplier applies.
- Local authorities are responsible for issuing bills, collecting payments, and applying reliefs.
In many instances, both bodies rely on outdated or incorrect property information, which may have been inaccurate in the first place. That’s why reviewing your business rates bill is more important than ever to ensure you liabilities are correct for the 2026 rating period.
What to Check on your Business Rates Bill
Most local authorities will display their business rates bills differently, but there are five key points you will find on each that you need to review before 1 April 2026.
Your bill is for the correct property
This may sound obvious, but the first step is to check that the rates bill you received is for the correct property. Ensure the property address and occupier details are correct. Errors could mean you are being charged for the wrong property or include costs for areas you don’t occupy.
Property Description
When you receive your bill, you should always ensure that your property description matches with the property the bill is for. If your new bill describes your property incorrectly, this can alter your overall Rateable Value(s) and liabilities. If the description is correct on your bill, don’t assume that it will be the same information held by the VOA. Review the details on the VOA portal to ensure they match up.
How to check:
Every bill includes a property reference number. Enter this number on the VOA website to view the official property record and compare it with your bill information. If your address, property description or reference number are incorrect, RVA Surveyors will assist to rectify any mistakes made.
Your Rateable Value (RV)
Your RV should be the next figure you look at. This is the value that the VOA assigns to your property if it were put back on the rental market. It is multiplied by the relevant multiplier to calculate what you pay, so it’s essential that it is accurate.
For the 2026 rating list, RVs are based on open market rental values from 2024, which is why many sectors are seeing sharp increases compared to the 2023 rating list (based on 2021 rental values). But if your RV is substantially higher than the previous billable year, it is important to review straight away so you aren’t over charged.
Multipliers and Liabilities
The multiplier system will have substantial changes when we enter the 2026 rating list, with the introduction of three new multipliers (5 in total), the small and standard RHL and large business multiplier.
With these changes taking effect, it’s important to ensure that you sit within the right multiplier, otherwise this will drastically affect your liabilities.
How to Check:
Rateable Value × Multiplier = Business Rates Liability
First look at what your Rateable Value will be for the 2026/27 year on your rates bill, then reference the table below to see which multiplier you sit in:
*RHL multipliers will be applied automatically if you are already in receipt of RHL Relief in the 2023 rating list.
This formula works for all RV’s and multipliers. Below are examples of how it will look with the standard business multipliers and large business multiplier:
Standard
RHL: £56,000 x 0.432 = £24,192 in liabilities
Non RHL: £56,000 x 0.480 = £26,880 in liabilities
Large
£650,000 x 0.508 = £330,200
If you believe that your liabilities are incorrect for the 2026/27 year, our expert savings specialists will conduct an in-depth evaluation of your property(s) by completing an in-person inspection and find additional savings where possible through an Audit review.
Payment Schedule
Always confirm that your payment schedule and details are correct when you receive your rates bill. It’s easy to assume that everything will be the same, but double check the payment date and the details of both yours and the local authorities. The payment schedule and details will be available to view on your rates bill when it arrives.
Act Now to Review or Appeal Your Business Rates Bill
With sweeping changes taking effect from 1 April, early action is critical. After 31 March, opportunities to review or appeal may be lost, potentially costing your business thousands in liabilities.
Given the complexity of the 2026 Revaluation and the financial impact it may have, a professional review of your business rates bill can provide clarity and confidence. Errors in business rates are more common than many commercial ratepayers realise and identifying them early can unlock meaningful savings.
A professional review ensures your liabilities are accurate, compliant, and fully aligned with the new rating list helping you to move forward knowing you are paying the correct liabilities.
About RVA Surveyors
RVA Surveyors are the UK’s leading independent business rates reduction specialists, having reviewed over 50,000 properties and secured more than £400 million in savings for commercial ratepayers. Through RVA’s four-step process, our specialist teams manage the entire review and appeal process with minimal disruption – and if there are no grounds for a reduction, there is no fee for our services.
Have a query about your business rates? Speak with our savings specialists!
0330 055 3234
info@rvauk.com
Updated 11/03/2026
