How to Challenge Incorrect Business Rates Bills: Secure Fair Charges

Incorrect business rates bills can be a common issue. Errors in rateable values, exemptions, or billing calculations can lead to overpayment. EG-Audit provides independent guidance and audits to help you challenge incorrect bills effectively and recover overpaid amounts.

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Step 1: Gather Documentation

Start by collecting all relevant documents to support your challenge:

  • Current and previous business rates bills
  • Rateable value notices from the VOA
  • Property leases and floor plans
  • Correspondence with local authorities or valuation officers
  • Evidence of previous payments or relief applications

EG-Audit provides structured checklists to ensure no relevant documentation is missed.

Step 2: Verify Rateable Value and Billing Accuracy

Review your bills carefully to ensure they reflect accurate calculations:

  • Check the rateable value (RV) matches official VOA records
  • Confirm that all exemptions or reliefs are applied correctly
  • Verify the correct multiplier is used for calculations
  • Compare charges to previous bills for consistency
  • Identify any duplicate, misapplied, or unexplained charges

EG-Audit audits billing accuracy line by line to identify discrepancies and potential overpayments.

Step 3: Identify Grounds for Challenge

Common grounds to challenge business rates include:

  • Incorrect rateable value
  • Misclassification of property use
  • Errors in property measurements
  • Failure to apply exemptions or reliefs
  • Duplicate or incorrect billing entries

EG-Audit identifies valid grounds for challenge based on documentation and benchmarking analysis.

Step 4: Prepare Evidence-Based Submission

To challenge a bill effectively, prepare a clear, evidence-based submission:

  • Summarise discrepancies and errors
  • Attach supporting documentation (bills, leases, plans)
  • Provide calculations demonstrating overpayment
  • Include correspondence or previous adjustments
  • Present findings professionally and clearly

EG-Audit assists in compiling comprehensive submissions to maximise the chance of successful resolution.

Step 5: Submit to Local Authority or VOA

Submit your challenge to the appropriate authority, ensuring compliance with statutory procedures:

  • Submit within deadlines for challenge or appeal
  • Use official forms or channels as required
  • Include all supporting evidence
  • Maintain copies of submission and receipt confirmation
  • Follow up to ensure your challenge is acknowledged

EG-Audit guides clients through the submission process to meet regulatory requirements and avoid delays.

Step 6: Engage in Correspondence and Negotiation

Authorities may request additional information or clarification. Respond promptly and professionally:

  • Provide requested evidence quickly and accurately
  • Clarify calculations or documentation as needed
  • Maintain professional and factual communication
  • Document all interactions for record-keeping
  • Escalate disputes if unresolved within reasonable timeframes

EG-Audit advises on how to engage effectively to maximise success.

Step 7: Appeal if Necessary

If the authority’s decision is unsatisfactory, follow formal appeal procedures:

  • Understand appeal timelines and requirements
  • Submit appeal with supporting evidence
  • Engage professional representation if necessary
  • Monitor progress and respond promptly to requests
  • Document every step of the appeal for accountability

EG-Audit provides guidance on statutory appeals and supports clients throughout the process.

Step 8: Document Outcomes

Record the results of your challenge or appeal for future reference:

  • Keep copies of final adjusted bills or refunds
  • Update internal records and budgets
  • Document lessons learned for ongoing monitoring
  • Share findings with relevant teams or stakeholders
  • Maintain a clear audit trail for accountability

EG-Audit ensures all findings are fully documented and actionable.

Benefits of Challenging Incorrect Business Rates Bills

  • Recover overpaid amounts
  • Ensure fair and accurate billing
  • Protect budgets and improve forecasting
  • Strengthen accountability and transparency
  • Minimise risk of future billing errors

Challenging incorrect bills is a proactive way to protect your property costs and maintain financial control.

Take Action Today

Incorrect business rates bills are more common than many property professionals realise. EG-Audit provides independent, evidence-based audits to identify errors, quantify overpayments, and guide challenges or appeals. Secure clarity and savings today by booking your audit.

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What’s next?

Take a look at How to Audit Service Charges for Multi-Tenant Properties

Or find out How Audits Recover Overpayments

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