How to pay your business rates
'Business rates' is the term commonly used for non-domestic rates which are charged on most non-domestic premises, including most commercial properties such as shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories.
If you use a building or part of a building for business, you will probably have to pay business rates. Please be aware that business rate inclusive rental agreements are not binding, and the occupier is legally responsible for paying all business rates.
If a property is empty, the person entitled to possession e.g. the keyholder, leaseholder, owner, administrator or executor will have to pay the Empty Property Rate. Please see the empty properties page for more information on the empty property rate.
If you pay business rates, you may be eligible for rate relief. Please see our relief and reductions section for more information.
Your premises will be given a rateable value by the Valuation Office Agency at www.voa.gov.uk. Please see our rateable value page for more information.
Business rate instalments
Payment of business rate bills is automatically set on a 10-monthly cycle. However, the government has announced that it will legislate to allow businesses to ask for their business rate bills to be spread over 12 months to help with cash flow.
If you would like to apply to extend your monthly instalments over 12 months (April to March) instead of 10 (April to January) please contact us.
How to pay
OR
- Make a phone payment. Please have your business rates account number when you call.
- Set up or amend a direct debit via Business Rates Online.
- At a Post Office or Paypoint outlet using the barcode on your bill. Find your nearest payment outlet.
- A Barclays bank or at your own bank.
- Pay by BACS: Details to be quoted when making payment are: Barclays Bank, Sort code 20-51-01, Account number 50294217. Your Business rates account number which can be found on the front of your bill. You should also send a copy of the remittance advice to us by email to RBS.cashoffice@liverpool.gov.uk.
Please allow at least seven days for your payment to reach us.
Register for e-billing
Paperless billing means you can stop receiving a paper bill and start receiving your bills via email. E-billing is the fast, efficient, environmentally friendly way to receive your bills.
- If you already have an online Business Rates account, login and switch to paperless billing in your preferences.
- If you don't already have an online account, register today. You'll need your Business Rates account number, postcode and online key. You'll find these on your latest bill or recovery notice.
When you've created your account, make sure you choose paperless billing in your preferences.
Read our privacy notice which tells you how we use your data.
Change in circumstances
It is important that you tell us about changes that might affect your business rates, such as:
- Change of contact address - where and when you moved.
- Change of business address - where and when you moved.
- If you ceased trading and when.
Any changes not reported may result in you paying more than you should. Please contact us to notify us of any change.
How your bill is calculated
The formula for calculating your bill is set by central government. We work out the bill by multiplying the rateable value of the property by the appropriate multiplier. There are two multipliers for 2019/20:
- The standard non-domestic rating multiplier which is 49.1p in the pound.
- The small business non-domestic rating multiplier which is 50.4p in the pound.
Can I appeal?
Further information about the new appeals arrangements can be provided from us or from the Valuation Office.
If you appeal you must still pay the rates shown on your rates bill until the result of your appeal is determined.