We are responsible for anything to do with your business rates bill. The VOA is responsible for the valuation of your property. You will therefore need to contact the VOA for all queries about your rateable value. 

You are now able to see the future rateable value for your property and get an estimate of what your 2023/24 business rates bill may be. You can do this through the VOA’s Find a Business Rates Valuation Service on GOV.UK. 

To tell the VOA about changes to your property details (such as floor area sizes and parking) you need a business rates valuation account. The VOA may accept your changes and update the current and future valuations.

 

Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account 

From 1 April 2023, you will need to use a business rates valuation account to tell the VOA you think your rateable value is too high. You must continue to pay your business rates as normal until a decision has been made.

 

Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account ready for 1 April 2023. 

The VOA bases most rateable values on an estimate of what it would cost to rent a property for a year, starting on a certain date. 

 

For the 2023 valuation, that date was 1 April 2021. This was during the pandemic and the rent information the VOA used reflected this. 

Ratepayers do not have to be represented by a rating advisor in discussions about rateable values or rates bills. Appeals against rateable values are free of charge. See the Valuation Office Agency website for details. Or telephone the local office on 03000 501 501 for free advice.

The VOA have created agent standards that set out:

• the VOA’s expectations of professional representatives (agents) interacting with the VOA and its services
• an overview of how the VOA will deal with the minority of agents who do not meet the standards.

These standards can be found here.

If you decide to be represented by a rating advisor we recommend an agent that is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation. They are qualified agents and are regulated by rules of professional conduct designed to protect the public from misconduct. Before you employ a rating adviser, you should check that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise, as well as appropriate indemnity insurance. Take great care and, if necessary, seek further advice before entering into any contract.

Please note: that an agent / advisor cannot guarantee you a reduction in your rates as the decision lies with either the District Valuer, Tribunal or Court; and not all reductions in rateable value will result in a refund as you may be subject to transitional arrangements

If the agent was not a member of a professional body, you can contact the trading standards team at Hampshire County Council or your local Citizens Advice.

If the agent was a member of a professional body – like the IRRV, RSA or RICS – you should contact that body to make a complaint.

If you believe an agent has knowingly, carelessly or recklessly provided us with false information you should contact the VOA.

 

If you want to change the address of your property then the Council's Address Management Section must approve this change. They will inform us if they agree with you.

Please telephone the Address Management Technician on 01962 848 300 or email address@winchester.gov.uk