Business Rates or Non-Domestic Rates collected by local authorities contribute towards the costs of local services. Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally. The money together with income from Council Tax, Revenue Support Grant from the Government and certain other money is used to pay for our services.

Who pays Business Rates?
The person or company who actually occupies a non-domestic property usually pays the rates. Often this will also be the owner or leaseholder of the property.

What properties count as non-domestic?
Any property that is not solely intended for use as somebody's residence will be liable for Non-Domestic Rates. Shops, offices, factories and warehouses are obvious examples. Holiday homes that are available for commercial letting for 140 days a year or more will be charged Non-Domestic Rates. If you offer bed and breakfast to six people or less within your own home, you will not pay Non-Domestic Rates.

Are any properties exempt from rates?
Some non-domestic properties are exempt from rates. The most common types are farm land and buildings, churches, sewers and public parks. Empty properties may also be exempt for up to three months or longer in certain circumstances.

For further information regarding the Business Rates, you can visit Business Link using the link on the right hand side.

If you have any questions regarding Business Rates, please contact:

The Non-Domestic Rates Team, Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth Staffs B79 7BZ.
Telephone: (01827) 709530
Email: counciltax@tamworth.gov.uk

Tamworth Borough Council has a duty to protect public funds and we may need to check your Business Rates information with other information we hold.
We may also exchange information with other agencies, councils, government departments or bodies administering public funds to

• make sure the information is accurate
• detect crime
• protect public funds

Write to us
If you wish to know more about the information about you or the way we use it please write to the information officer at Tamworth Borough Council or e-mail foimailbox@tamworth.gov.uk