Check and challenge your business rates valuation: step by step
How to use a business rates valuation account to report changes to your business property or if you think your rateable value is too high.
Applies to England and Wales
In England and Wales, Check and Challenge cases are handled by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Appeals are handled differently for properties in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
How to use a business rates valuation account
You can tell the VOA that:
- your property details need changing
- you think that your rateable value is too high
You can tell the VOA yourself or you can appoint an agent to act for you.
1. Sign in or register for a business rates valuation account
Register using your existing Government Gateway user ID. If you do not have a Government Gateway user ID, you’ll create one when you register.
Registering for a business rates valuation account
You can appoint an agent when you have a business rates valuation account.
2. Add a property to your account
Add a property so that you can then change property details and challenge the rateable value. Provide evidence to prove your connection to the property.
Adding your property to your account
3. Change the property details
Send a ‘Check case’ to tell the VOA your property details are correct or make a change to them. Provide evidence to support your changes.
The VOA may accept your changes and change the rateable value.
4. Challenge the rateable value
Send the VOA a ‘Challenge case’ if you think your rateable value is too high. Explain what you think it should be and provide evidence.
The VOA may accept your challenge and change the rateable value.
You must complete a Check case before sending a Challenge case.
5. Appeal the decision
Ask the independent Valuation Tribunal for a review if you do not agree with the VOA’s decision on the rateable value.