How your business rates are worked out
We charge business rates so that all businesses in Buckinghamshire pay towards to the cost of local services.
Business rates are charged on most business properties, including shops, offices, pubs, warehouses and factories.
A property does not have to be used for business purposes to pay business rates.
If a building is being used for anything other than people living there, you may have to pay business rates.
Understanding your rateable value
Business rates are based on your property’s rateable value. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) maintains the Non-Domestic Rating List. This includes setting the rateable values of business properties. Learn more about how business rates are calculated.
You can read more about business rates on the government website. This includes:
- how to get started with business rates
- your rateable value
- submitting your rent or lease details
- relief, refunds and rebates
Contacting the VOA
You can contact the VOA online.
Challenging your rateable value
You have until 31 March 2026 to request any changes to your current rateable value using your business rates valuation account.
If you do not have an account or have not accessed one recently, you should register now. It can take up to 15 working days to complete the verification process and claim your property.
View more information on Check and Challenge (GOV.UK).
After 1 April 2026 you will only be able to make changes to your new valuation.
Contact the business rates team
If you have a question about business rates that is not answered on this page, you can contact us for help.