I got my demand for the business rates for tax year 10/11 today. As I have a direct debit set up for the payments I was inclined to just file it away for the accountant to open and not even bother getting worked up about it but it sat there on the shelf in front of me demanding my attention. Working a finger along the fold at the top I gently prised the envelope open and slid the thick wad of junk and paperwork out.
At this point I should probably confess that when I received the VOA valuation late last year I didn't bother to appeal their records even though they were slightly wrong. I've not employed the services of one of those cold callers who offer to appeal your business rates nor have I appealed them myself. The building has had no structural or cosmetic changes or change of use. Everything is exactly the same as it was.
I read the amount they wanted and sat down heavily. I couldn't believe it. Surely an error? I was speechless (which, as those that know me will tell you, is a rare thing indeed).
In 2009/10 I've made one payment to round up the odd and then 9 of £373.00
In 2010/11 I've got one payment to round up the odd and then 9 of £269.00
That's over £1k less over the year. A one thousand pound tax cut. There has obviously been a terrible mistake and I'm waiting for the correction to arrive. Probably tomorrow.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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3 comments:
Don't worry. Your landlord will be along sharpish to up your rent by £1k to mop up the difference.
MW - One of the things that I can't fault my landlord on is the amount of rent I pay. All of my rent reviews so far have ended in a "no change" decision and speaking to my neighbours I'm 99% sure I've got a pretty good deal.
I wouldn't hold out on a voluntary refund from the VOA. The best thing you can do is see if your businesses was potentially overvalued in 2005. You can do this for free,as I have done, by visiting www.ratescheck.com and searching on your post code. Act quickly though as the VOA are stopping the right to seek rebates for 2005 valuations as of the 31st March. Good luck !!
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