The Business Rate is a national tax used to help finance local councils’ spending plans. Although they are collected locally, they are paid into a central pool and redistributed to councils based on their population. There is, therefore, no direct link between what businesses pay and local services.
The amount of Business Rates payable is calculated by multiplying the rateable value of a property (determined by the Inland Revenue Valuation Officer) by the multiplier (sometimes called the rate poundage) which is set by the government. Local councils have no, or very little, control over the amount of tax payable.
In the South Hams there are almost 5,000 properties assessed for Business Rates and we expect to collect around £23m in 2010/11.
Use the menu on the left for further information on how your bill is calculated, how it might be reduced, and how to pay.
Contacting us
You can contact the Business Rates team in any of the following ways:
Email: rev.bens@southhams.gov.uk
By telephone on: 01803 861234, and ask for the Business Rates team
By post or in person to:
The Business Rates Section
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon TQ9 5NE
If you are coming in to the office please ring first to make an appointment. This will avoid you having to wait during busy times. The offices are open between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:30am to 4:30pm on a Friday.
When contacting us, please always remember to give your name, the business address your question relates to, and your account number if you have one (an eight digit number starting with a 9).
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