From April 1, 2009 many small businesses will pay no rates.
From April 1, 2009 tens of thousands of small businesses will pay no rates at all under the Scottish Government's small business bonus scheme.
You could save up to almost £4,000 a year, depending on your rateable value. An eligible business property will save on average £1400 in 2009-10.
What's the catch?
There isn't one! The Scottish Government wants to help genuinely small businesses, particularly in the current economic climate.
Who qualifies?
You may qualify if you pay non-domestic rates for properties with a combined rateable value of £15,000 or less.
The savings band for eligible properties are -
Combined Rateable value of all business properties in Scotland | Percentage relief available |
Up to £8,000 | 100% |
£8,001 to £10,000 | 50% |
£10,001 to £15,000 | 25% |
Interested? - How to apply
You must apply for the bonus Scheme. For an application form please contact your local authority.
The simple application form will only take a few minutes to complete and you only need supply the name of the business, the address and the rateable value - it could be the easiest £1400 you make this year.
When calling your local authority ask to speak to the revenue or non-domestic rates section and ask for a Small Business Bonus Scheme application form. Many local authorities also have forms available to download online.
Your local authority can also advise about eligibility if you have more than one business property and interaction with other non-domestic rate reliefs.
Find out more
Read this leaflet or contact your local authority.