Business Rates (NNDR)
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Non-Domestic Rates (sometimes referred to as Business Rates) are an important part of the financing of Local Government. The present system was brought into effect from April 1990 and replaced the old General Rating system that applied to both domestic and non-domestic properties alike.
If your business is moving into the borough you will need to let us know you details using our online form.
Ways to pay Business Rates
You can pay your rates online, over the phone or by using a debit or credit card
Online and Phone
You can pay your Business Rates using our secure online service. Or you can contact our Customer Services team for more information or if you wish to pay over the phone.
Direct Debit and Standing Orders
You can also pay by PayPoint card by calling 01795 417283, or by Direct Debit or Standing Order.
- Download our Direct Debit form to set up a continual payment for your business rates
- Download our monthly or weekly (until further notice) payment Standing Order form
- Download our lump sum followed by monthly or weekly payment Standing Order form
Rate Relief
Small Business Rate Relief
To apply for the Small Business Rates Relief scheme please download and complete one of the following forms.
Deferral Scheme
Ratepayers currently have the ability to set aside 3.2% of their 2012/13 bill over three years. You will then pay back the total amount spread over the next two years.
- For more information on this please contact the business rates team at ndr@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417454
Charitable Relief
If you are a registered charity, non-profit making organisation or a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASCs) you are able to claim business rates relief.
- For more information on this please contact the business rates team at ndr@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417454
Rural Rate Relief
Certain rural properties may be entitled to claim rural rates relief. The types of business which can claim this benefit are for example the only general store, post office, pub or petrol station in a village with less than 3,000 people. Other rural business may be entitled as long as that business is the only one of its type and there is no other business with a similar service within 4km.
- For more information on this please contact the business rates team at ndr@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417454
Hardship Relief
We have the power to reduce or remit payment of business rates on grounds of hardship. We need to be satisfied that rate payers would suffer hardship if a reduction or remission were not given. Each individual case will be considered on its own merits taking into account the interests of Swale council tax payers as they meet part of the cost.
- For more information on this please contact the business rates team at ndr@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417454
Empty Property Rates
Non-domestic properties are exempt for the first three months that they are empty and unoccupied. After the first three-months, no extra reduction is given and Business Rates will be charged at 100%.
Industrial properties including factories, stores and warehouses, will be exempt for the first six months that they are empty and unoccupied, before being charged Business Rates at the full 100%.
Certain types of property are exempt from paying empty property rates, these include; listed buildings, land and properties where the owners have gone into liquidation or administration.
The legislation about empty rate has changed for the financial year starting on the 1 April 2011. The rateable value threshold below which empty properties are exempt from rates will revert to £2,600.
- For more information on this please contact the business rates team at ndr@swale.gov.uk or call 01795 417454
New Website for Non Domestic Rate Payers
The Government together with the Valuation Office Agency have set up a new website aimed at the smaller independent ratepayer. For more information view the Business Link website.
2010 Revaluation
A new valuation list came into force for all business properties on the 1 April 2010; values for the 2010 list were compiled by the Valuation Office Agency. If you have a query about your valuation the Valuation Office can be contacted on 03000 503888 or at Valuation Office 2010.
More information is available on the following website Business Link.
