How your rateable value and rates are calculated

Non-domestic rates are calculated by:

1. Multiplying the rateable value of a property by 49.8 pence (poundage).
2. Subtracting reliefs (discounts).
3. Subtracting any other adjustments or payments you've already made.

Property supplements

Properties with a higher rateable value will be charged a supplement on top of the poundage.

• the Intermediate Property Rate (51.1 pence – 1.3 pence above basic property rate) for properties with rateable values from £51,001 to £95,000
• the Higher Property Rate (52.4 pence - 2.6 pence above basic property rate) for properties with rateable values in excess of £95,000

Rateable value

Local councils use the 'rateable value' of a property to calculate business rates.

How rateable values are calculated

Rateable values are calculated by assessors. This process is known as a 'valuation'. Each area in Scotland has its own assessor.

Assessors use different methods to calculate rateable values. For example, they might use information such as rent or floor space. Assessors will usually ask property owners, tenants or occupiers for this information. This is to make sure rateable value calculations are as accurate as possible.

For most properties, rateable value is based on an estimate of the rental value of the property. Assessors take rental values from the same point in time, known as the 'tone date'. For current valuations this was 1 April 2015. The tone date for the next revaluation is 1 April 2022.

Checking a rateable value

You can find the rateable value of a property on Scottish Assessors Association website. You'll also find a breakdown of how a rateable value was calculated for most properties.

Contacting an assessor about a rateable value

You can contact your local assessor if:

• you think your valuation details are wrong
• you disagree with the assessor's valuation
• you move or make changes to your premises
• the nature of your business changes

You can also update your information on the Scottish Assessors Association website.

When your rateable value might change

Your rateable value could change when there’s a: 

• revaluation of rateable value

• 'material change' to your property 

Material changes

Material changes include:

• physical changes to your property
• new roads or changes to access routes
• events that affect your business, for example a fire in your area

You should contact your assessor if you think your premises have had a material change.

Appeals

If you think it's wrong, you can ask your local assessor to check your rateable value. If you still disagree with the assessor's valuation, you can make an appeal.

You can make your appeal:

• online through the Scottish Assessors Association website
• by writing to your local assessor

Find more information about making a non-domestic rates appeal.