Store owners who believe their current business rates valuation is incorrect are being urged to act quickly, with just weeks left to request changes before the new rating list comes into force on 1 April.
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has reminded ratepayers that they must submit any challenges to their current valuation by 31 March. From 1 April, retailers will only be able to query their new rateable value under the incoming rating list.
Registering for a business rates valuation account – or reclaiming an inactive one – can take up to 15 working days. Retailers are therefore being encouraged to start the process now if they have not already done so.
To request a change, businesses must log in to their valuation account to:
- check the property details held by the VOA
- notify the agency if any information is incorrect.
If a retailer does not yet have an account, they will need to register and claim their property before they can proceed. Access requires either a Government Gateway ID or a One Login account. The VOA notes that Government Gateway IDs inactive for three years or more may have been deleted for security reasons, meaning affected users will need to create a new account and reclaim their property. This may take up to 15 working days to process.
The VOA has already completed its latest revaluation of all non-domestic properties in England and Wales, a process carried out every three years to reflect shifts in the property market. Any amendments made to a 2023 valuation could result in a rateable value rising or falling, and may also influence future valuations.
Retailers can view their future rateable value without logging in by using the online search service on GOV.UK. However, formal challenges to existing valuations must be made through a business rates valuation account.
Store operators with queries about their actual bill, available reliefs or payment arrangements are advised to contact their local council directly.
The VOA confirmed it will be integrated into its parent department, HM Revenue & Customs, on 1 April 2026. The agency said this change will not affect live or future cases, and retailers will continue to access valuation services in the usual way.