How to avoid getting into difficulty paying your Business
Rates
This section tells you how we collect Business Rates, and what
you can do to avoid problems paying it.
We are required to make sure that Business Rates is paid
within the statutory payment period. Please do your best to
ensure that you keep to the payment dates on your bill — payments
made on time cut Council costs and can help to provide better
services!
When will I get my bill?
Normally, we will send your bill in the middle of March.
If you move premises, don't forget to let us know.
How will I know what to pay?
Your bill will show the total amount to be paid for the current
financial year, and a schedule of instalments. It may also mention
any money owed for earlier uncharged periods and any arrears
outstanding from previous financial years.
Remember, a financial year runs from the 1 April to the
following 31 March.
When do I have to pay my bill?
You can choose from the following:
- Monthly – There is a minimum payment of £50
per month.
If you pay by direct debit you can choose to pay on the 1st or
20th of the month.
If you pay other than by direct debit, you should pay on the
1st of each month, for 10 months (usually from April to the
following January).
We will reduce the number of instalments, as appropriate,
for all bills we issue after April.
- Half-yearly – you should pay on 1 May
and 1 September.
- Once a year – you should pay by 1
May.
You must write to us if you want to change to half-yearly or
yearly payments.
What about money owed for an earlier period?
If you owe money for an earlier period of occupation, either for
the same or different properties, or if you are in arrears, this
will be shown separately and should be paid when you receive your
bill — it is not included in your instalment schedule.
When you receive your Business Rates bill, the different ways
that you can pay are shown on the back.
If you do not pay by direct debit, or at the Cash Desk in the
Council's main offices, please remember to leave time for your
payment to reach the Council's account. For example, if your
payment is due on the 1st of the month, make sure that you arrange
payment at least four working days before — if you don’t, we may
send a reminder for late payment.
What happens if I miss a
payment?
About one week after the date your payment is due, we will
send you a reminder showing how much money you owe.
What if I can't pay?
Tell us straight away! We may be able to rearrange your
payments, or tell you if you qualify for any reduction.
How can my bill be reduced?
We may be able to reduce your rate bill if
you may qualify for rate relief. Please phone us for further
details.
If you think that the rateable value or description of your
property is wrong (details about this are shown on your bill and
the leaflets sent with it), you should contact the Valuation Office Agency
What happens if you can't reduce my bill, and I still can't
pay?
If you find yourself in this position you must
phone the Revenues office straight away on 01843
577557.
If you are still unable to pay, we may take the following
action:
- We will send you a "final notice". This cancels your right to
pay monthly, and asks for the rest of the year’s Business Rates to
be paid in full within 7 days.
- If you still don’t pay, we will send you a summons for a
hearing in the Magistrates’ Court. We will also ask for costs to be
added.
- If the court issues a liability order against you, it will
allow us to take further action to collect the money you owe, which
may include closing your business or making you bankrupt. It could
mean that you have to pay further costs, and ultimately, you might
go to prison.
Where can I get advice?
Phone the Revenues office on 01843 577557 or
e-mail: Business.Rates@thanet.gov.uk