Deleting a commercial property from the rating list. Stop the business rates.
There are a number of reasons why you would want to delete a commercial property from the rating list. Let’s look at some of those reasons.
Under reconstruction. Major reconstruction works verses repair works.
If you are carrying out extensive building works at the property, perhaps to repair the premises into a commercially usable condition, you would not want to be paying business rates whilst carrying out those works. Under these circumstances you would be entitled to make a request to the valuation office agency to delete the property from the rating list. However, the council will keep on billing you for business rates until the property is deleted by the valuation office.
Basic repairs would not be sufficient to delete the property from the commercial rating list, for example painting, decorating, fixing small water leaks, general repairs. The valuation office looks at general and basic repairs as not significant enough to consider the property not fit for its intended purpose. Therefore, the deletion request would be denied.
Major Reconstruction is where the property is undergoing significant roof repairs, a change in structure, demolition of walls etc. The deletion request would be accepted.
Property conversion
When converting a commercial property into something else, perhaps flats or another type of commercial building, you do not have to pay business rates whilst under reconstruction. You are entitled to make a request to delete the property from the rating list.
Property derelict
If the property is derelict, you do not have to pay business rates. However, it is notoriously difficult to remove a property from the rating list on derelict properties. But why is this the case. Its to do with supplying enough evidence to change the opinion of the valuation officer involved. Evidence being costings to bring the property back to its intended purposes to start with. And the property may be rated at a £1 as opposed to it being deleted off the rating list.
At Business Rate Advisors Ltd, we can request the deletion of a commercial property from the rating list for you and hold the billing account at the same time.
Speak with Mark Allen or Steve Adams who provide free business rates advice. The main number is 01225667747 or visit the website to find out more www.businessratehelp.co.uk
We can advise you on your property deletion case.
Until next time.
Steve @ Business Rate Advisors Ltd