Business Rates Rebate for Overpaid Commercial Tax – How to Reclaim What You’re Owed

Many commercial landlords and business occupiers across the UK—especially in London—may be paying too much in business rates without realising it. Errors in rateable value (RV), relief eligibility, or property status often go unnoticed, leading to unnecessary costs over months or even years. Fortunately, a business rates rebate for overpaid commercial tax may be available if the overpayment can be proven.

At Fraser Bond, we work with landlords, developers, and commercial tenants to help them recover overpaid business rates by identifying valuation errors, missed reliefs, and historic mischarges—maximising cash flow and financial efficiency.

When Can You Claim a Business Rates Rebate?

You may be eligible for a rebate if you’ve overpaid business rates due to incorrect assessments, missed reliefs, or administrative errors. Common triggers for rebates include:

1. Incorrect Rateable Value (RV)

• Property size, layout, or use class recorded incorrectly

• Comparables used by VOA are outdated or irrelevant

• Material changes (e.g. part-demolition, subdivision) not reflected

 2. Missed or Delayed Reliefs

• Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) not applied

• Empty property relief not granted when eligible

• Hardship, charitable, or partial occupation relief overlooked

 3. Change in Use or Occupation Not Updated

• RV not adjusted after a change of use, closure, or part-vacancy

• Relief not applied during temporary unoccupancy or renovation

 4. Historic Overpayments

• Overpayments resulting from late billing authority corrections

• Backdated revaluations following successful VOA appeal

• Unclaimed credits sitting in closed or transferred accounts

Most business rates rebates can be backdated for up to six years, depending on the nature of the overcharge and when the error was identified.

How to Apply for a Business Rates Rebate

Step 1: Check Your Business Rates History

• Review all rates bills issued by your local authority

• Confirm RV listed in VOA records matches the actual property status

• Identify any periods where reliefs may have been missed

Step 2: Submit a Check or Challenge to the VOA

• Use the VOA online portal to submit a “Check”

• Provide evidence (floorplans, leases, planning documents, photos)

Step 3: Contact Your Local Billing Authority

• If the error was administrative (e.g. missing relief), contact the council directly

• Request a correction and refund for the overcharged period

Step 4: Work With a Business Rates Consultant

• Engage professionals like Fraser Bond to analyse records, appeal assessments, and secure maximum rebate recovery

How Fraser Bond Supports Business Rates Rebate Claims

Fraser Bond provides a comprehensive rebate review and recovery service for landlords and occupiers of commercial property across London and the UK. We help you:

• Identify overpayments from miscalculated RVs or incorrect billing

• Secure backdated reliefs and refunds (including SBRR and unoccupancy exemptions)

• Liaise with VOA and local authorities for swift resolution

• Handle appeals, document preparation, and valuation evidence

• Recover historic payments across multiple properties or portfolios

Whether you operate a single shop or manage a multi-unit commercial estate, our team ensures you’re not overpaying and that all recoverable amounts are claimed efficiently.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table – Claim Your Business Rates Rebate

If you suspect you've overpaid business rates on your commercial property, take action today. Fraser Bond’s expert advisors can help you recover past payments, correct ongoing charges, and optimise your property tax liabilities moving forward.

Visit FraserBond.com to schedule a business rates review or speak with our team about your rebate eligibility.