How Business Rates are calculated

How rates are worked out

To work out the business rates charge for your property, you should multiply the rateable value by the poundage rate. You can also use the Scottish Governments Business Rates Calculator (opens new window) . You may be entitled to rate relief or other reductions in your bill.

Business rate poundage

Each year, the Scottish Government sets the 'business rate poundage'. The business rate poundage for 2021-2022 is 49p (49.8p for 2020-2021) for every pound of rateable value.

Any business that uses (or has the right to use) a property with a rateable value of more than £51,000 and less than or equal to £95,000 will pay an extra 1.3p on top of the rate poundage.

This means that the business will pay 50.3p for 2021-2022 (51.1p for 2020-2021) for every £1 of rateable value. This is known as the Intermediate Property Rate.

Any business that uses (or has the right to use) a property with a rateable value of more than £95,000 will pay an extra 2.6p on top of the rate poundage.

This means that the business will pay 51.6p for 2021-2022 (52.4p for 2020-2021) for every £1 of rateable value. This is known as the Higher Property Rate.

Rateable Value

The assessor, who works for the Lothian Valuation Joint Board, sets the 'rateable value' for your property. The rateable value is an estimate of the yearly rent the property could earn on the open market.

All rateable values have been reviewed from 1 April 2017. This is known as a revaluation. If you want to appeal against your rateable value or have any questions about your rateable value, please contact:

The Assessor for Lothian Valuation Joint Board
17A South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9FL

Further details of how to contact the assessor and appeal your rateable value can be found on the Lothian Valuation Joint Board website (opens new window) .