For many of our clients, business rates are one of the most significant overheads after rent and wages. On 1 April 2026, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will implement a new rating list, marking the first revaluation of commercial properties in three years.
This revaluation is based on property market values as of 1 April 2024. Because the market has shifted significantly since the last valuation, your bill is likely to change—but not always in the way you might expect.
A New Multiplier System for Retail and Hospitality
One of the most important updates in 2026 is a fundamental shift in how bills are calculated. The government is replacing the old retail relief scheme with a new, permanent system of multipliers. If you run a shop, pub, restaurant, or café with a rateable value below £500,000, you will benefit from a lower tax rate than other types of businesses. This is designed to provide long-term certainty for the high street, moving away from the "cliff-edge" of temporary discounts.
Softening the Blow with Transitional Relief
If your property’s value has increased significantly, you won't see the full jump in your bill immediately. A new Transitional Relief scheme will cap annual increases to a set percentage, allowing the rise to be phased in over three years. For small properties with a rateable value under £20,000, the increase is capped at just 5% in the first year plus inflation.
How CoreAcc Accountants Can Help
Business rates are often accepted as a fixed cost, but they shouldn't be. We can help you by:
● Estimating your 2026/27 liability using the new VOA data.
● Checking if you qualify for the new retail and hospitality multipliers.
● Reviewing "Small Business Rate Relief" eligibility if you have expanded into a second property.
