RECLAIM OVERPAYMENTS
Business rates refunds: reclaim what you've overpaid
A business rates refund returns money you were overcharged, usually because a relief was never applied or your rateable value was too high. When the bill is corrected, the overpayment is refunded or credited, often backdated.
If you've been paying more than you should, you're not just stuck with a lower bill going forward - you can often reclaim the difference for previous years too. The first step is finding the error.
Check if you're owed a refund, freeCommon reasons you're owed money
- Small Business Rate Relief was never applied to your account.
- You were charged the standard multiplier instead of the lower RHL rate.
- Your rateable value was too high and has since been reduced.
- Empty property or transitional relief was missed.
How to claim it back
- Identify the error on your bill (our checker does this for you).
- Ask your council to correct it and backdate the relief or valuation change.
- Request a refund or credit for the overpaid period.
Find the overpayment first
Upload your bill, we'll show exactly what looks wrong and hand you the letter to send your council.
Check my billQuestions
Can I get a business rates refund?
Yes, if you've been overcharged, for example a relief was never applied, or your rateable value was too high. When the correction is made, the overpayment is refunded or credited, often backdated.
How far back can a business rates refund go?
It depends on the reason. Relief and billing corrections can often be backdated to the start of the relevant period or rating list, sometimes several years.
How do I claim a refund?
Once a relief is granted or a valuation reduced, ask your council to backdate it and refund any overpayment. Keep your account number and dates to hand.