The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued a warning to businesses regarding the deadline to appeal their 2023 business rates, with false claims circulating that June 30, 2024, is the cut-off point.
Businesses generally have until March 2026, to challenge their property valuation on the 2023 Rating List but some unscrupulous agents are claiming the deadline is imminent in a bid to win more appeal work.
As a result, the VOA has now issued a warning to businesses and urges them to be wary of anyone who:
- Claims to be acting on behalf of the VOA
- Demands large upfront payments
- Pressures them to make quick decisions or sign contracts
- Makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’
The VOA stresses that the vast majority of agents are reputable, providing valuable advice and services, but a small minority still persist in peddling bad faith practices.
Alan Colston, Chief Valuer at the VOA, said: “These rogue agents often charge substantial fees for providing poor quality submissions using our Check and Challenge service. We strongly advice businesses to do their own research and explore different options before appointing an agent. Make sure you choose your own agent – don’t let the agent choose you.”
Anyone who is concerned about a high pressure sales approach can report it to
ccaservice@voa.gov.uk.
Anyone wishing to seek expert advice about their business rates, appeals or rate reliefs currently available in the UK, can contact
https://dunlopheywood.com/check-your-rates-bill/ for a free, no obligation, review.
