Do I need to pay rates before opening for business?

[Hughie]

If I buy the leasehold for a shop unit and am in the process of refitting it do I have to pay local council rates immediately or can they start when I start trading? Any advice please

[Chris Ashdown]

Sorry cannot advise on that question, But if its your only unit and you are a small company you are probably entitled to pay 50% off rates, suggest you enquire with local council

[deniser]

I think they've abolished the empty rates exemption for the first 6 months of being empty so I think you have to pay (unless it is a listed building which I believe is still exempt). Best to ask Council in question.

[KidsBeeHappy]

In Scotland, I think empty property relief is still around.
Definitely go straight to the council. The last thing you need is a backdated rates bill in the first couple of months of trading.