How your business rates are worked out

We charge business rates so that all businesses in Buckinghamshire pay towards to the cost of local services.

Business rates are charged on most business properties, including shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories.

A property does not have to be used for business purposes to pay business rates.

If a building is being used for anything other than people living there, you may have to pay business rates.

Understanding your rateable value

Business rates are based on your property’s rateable value. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) maintains the Non-Domestic Rating List. This includes setting the rateable values of business properties. Learn more about how business rates are calculated.

You can read more about business rates on the government website. This includes:

  • how to get started with business rates
  • your rateable value
  • submitting your rent or lease details
  • relief, refunds and rebates

Contacting the VOA

If you want to contact the VOA you can do so here.

Challenging your rateable value

If you are concerned that your business rates may be incorrect, you can check and update your information using the VOA's Check and Challenge your business rates service.

Contact the business rates team

If you have a question about business rates that is not answered on this page, you can contact us for help.