non domestic rates empty property relief, also known as business rates relief, is a government scheme that provides relief to property owners who have unoccupied commercial properties. This relief is designed to ease the financial burden on property owners who are not generating rental income from their properties. In this article, we will explore the details of non domestic rates empty property relief and how property owners can benefit from this scheme.
In the United Kingdom, non domestic rates (also known as business rates) are taxes that are levied on most non-domestic properties. These rates are calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property by the national non-domestic multiplier. However, if a property is empty, the property owner may be eligible for empty property relief, which can significantly reduce the amount of business rates they are required to pay.
Empty property relief is available for most non-domestic properties, including shops, offices, factories, warehouses, and other commercial properties. To qualify for this relief, the property must be unoccupied and be capable of occupation. However, certain types of properties may not be eligible for empty property relief, such as properties that are not used for business purposes or properties that are being used for storage.
Property owners can claim empty property relief for a period of three months from the date the property becomes unoccupied. After this initial three-month period, the property owner may still be eligible for relief, but the amount of relief will be reduced. The level of reduction will depend on the type of property and the length of time it has been empty.
It is important for property owners to be aware of the eligibility criteria for empty property relief in order to ensure that they receive the maximum relief available to them. Property owners should also be aware of the deadlines for claiming relief, as late claims may not be accepted by the local authority.
In addition to empty property relief, property owners may also be eligible for other forms of business rates relief. For example, small businesses may be eligible for small business rates relief, which can provide a discount on their business rates bill. It is important for property owners to explore all of the relief options available to them in order to minimize their business rates liability.
Property owners should also be aware of the implications of leaving a property empty for an extended period of time. In some cases, properties that are left empty for a long period may be subject to additional taxes or levies. Property owners should therefore consider all of the factors involved in leaving a property empty before making a decision on whether to claim empty property relief.
Overall, non domestic rates empty property relief is a valuable scheme that can provide financial assistance to property owners who are not generating rental income from their properties. By understanding the details of this relief scheme and being aware of the eligibility criteria, property owners can take advantage of this scheme to reduce their business rates liability and ease the financial burden of owning unoccupied commercial properties.