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?

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 list of the 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.

How can I  pay?

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 Thanet's Gateway Plus in Margate, please allow at least four working days for your payment to reach the Council's account — if you don’t, we may send a reminder for late payment.  

• How can I  pay?

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

• your organisation is a charity or is non-profit making
• your premises is empty
• your business is only using part of a building
• special circumstances have led to financial hardship

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Revenues Office

E-mail:

business.rates@thanet.gov.uk

Phone: 01843 577557
from 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Friday

Fax: 01843 577532

or Visit our offices