Business Rates on separate unit.

[Paulzx]

Here's a question for those of you in a similar position. We have an office and workshop in one location, and a separate unit at another location. I've just had a rates bill come through for a few grand, for the unit. No surprise there, although I do find myself wondering how the Council justify charging rates for a private unit, on private land owned by a private company, that has absolutely nothing to do with them.

A fellow occupant of one of these units suggested to me that I should put the unit under my name as a private individual rather than the business name, and avoid a rates bill. This is what he has done, and doesn't pay rates.

So that's my question - has anyone else done this, is it worth looking into? I've not rented a separate unit before for work so I don't know how difficult they make this once the Council are on to you for rates etc

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

I do find myself wondering how the Council justify charging rates for a private unit, on private land owned by a private company, that has absolutely nothing to do with them.

That's how business rates work for everyone.

A fellow occupant of one of these units suggested to me that I should put the unit under my name as a private individual rather than the business name, and avoid a rates bill.

A perfect example as to why you do not listen to mates or people down the pub!

Does either unit qualify for Small Business Rate Relief? You will only be able to claim against one property, though.

 

[Paulzx]

That's how business rates work for everyone.


A perfect example as to why you do not listen to mates or people down the pub!

Does either unit qualify for Small Business Rate Relief? You will only be able to claim against one property, though.

He's not someone down the pub, he's a customer of mine who is also renting a unit. He isn't subject to rates relief or a bill, as the unit rental is in his name as an individual. What he said to me was, take the rental out of your business name and put it into your name.

We already get small business rates relief on our office property so wouldn't get that at the unit. But obviously what he's saying is something different.

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

Business rates are based on the property, not who is renting them.

Is he suggesting registering in your name and then apply for separate SBRR?

 

[DontAsk]

He's not someone down the pub, he's a customer of mine who is also renting a unit. He isn't subject to rates relief or a bill, as the unit rental is in his name as an individual. What he said to me was, take the rental out of your business name and put it into your name.

So pretend there is no business going on and commit fraud?

 

[Paulzx]

Business rates are based on the property, not who is renting them.

Is he suggesting registering in your name and then apply for separate SBRR?

I'm not really sure. My understanding is that he didn't ever get a bill because his unit was in his name a private individual rather than a trading business. I'll have to ask him about it.

It might be more difficult in my case anyway because it would be obvious the unit is being used by the business therefore I expect they would bill me anyway.

I was more curious to see if anyone else had done it successfully. The Council really are robbing b'stards at the best of times

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

My understanding is that he didn't ever get a bill

As the owner or occupier is responsible for BR, if the owner isn't registered, the occupier is responsible for registering!

The Council really are robbing b'stards at the best of times

Why, they do not set the rates? Central Government does that. They are just responsible for collecting them

 

[StevensOnln1]

Business rates are a tax on non-domestic property. The council are required to collect them by law, they don't set how much the rates are or have any power to decide who pays.

 

[Paulzx]

they don't set how much the rates are or have any power to decide who pays.

So to slightly re phrase my statement then, the government are robbing b'stards.

 

[WaveJumper]

Well it will be interesting to see what your friend says (so do up date the forum) Any person or company who is named on the lease, tenancy or licence agreement will be responsible for paying the business rates note this is even if they are not trading or occupying the unit.

As I say do update us all on the outcome

 

[Paulzx]

Well it will be interesting to see what your friend says (so do up date the forum) Any person or company who is named on the lease, tenancy or licence agreement will be responsible for paying the business rates note this is even if they are not trading or occupying the unit.

As I say do update us all on the outcome

Yep okay, I will investigate further!