In recent weeks, many occupiers and agents have received emails from GOV.UK confirming that there is a 31st March 2026 deadline to request changes to current rateable values, ahead of new valuations taking effect from 1st April 2026.
The messages are procedural rather than advisory. They set out key dates, explain how rateable values are used and direct recipients to review the information held about their properties. However, they also highlight an important point that is not always widely understood. Once the current rating list closes, opportunities to correct issues relating to that list become more limited.
The 31st March 2026 date marks the end of the current rating list. Up until that point it remains possible to request changes to existing rateable values where information is incorrect or incomplete.
After 1st April 2026, requests will relate only to the new valuation list. While this does not prevent all historic matters from being explored, it does change how and when certain issues can be addressed. For this reason the current deadline carries significance beyond the reminder itself.
Business rates bills are based on property details, valuation assumptions and reliefs as they applied at the time. If errors exist within the current list, they may have influenced liabilities across multiple financial years.
Where valuations are accepted without review, discrepancies can remain unnoticed. As the list closes, opportunities to address certain issues may narrow, particularly where evidence becomes harder to obtain or statutory time limits apply.
Many organisations assume that if a bill has been issued, it must be correct. In practice, rating data can change over time and not all updates are automatically reflected.
Challenges often arise where historic property information is fragmented or incomplete. Changes to layout, use or occupation may not be clearly documented, making it harder to confirm whether valuations accurately reflected the property during the life of the list.
As the deadline approaches, these uncertainties become more relevant.
A historic business rates review focuses on whether past bills were calculated correctly based on the information available at the time. It provides reassurance that valuations, property details and reliefs were applied appropriately during the life of the current list.
Where discrepancies are identified, it may be possible to submit adjustment requests or seek recovery of overpayments, subject to statutory time limits. Where no issues are found, the outcome is clarity and confidence that historic liabilities have been independently checked.
Inform specialises in reviewing historic business rates bills. Our audits examine past valuations, billing records and supporting evidence to confirm whether liabilities were calculated correctly and, where appropriate, to support the recovery of overpayments.
With the 31st March 2026 deadline now confirmed, Inform recommends that organisations review their position and consider whether any adjustment requests may be appropriate as soon as possible. Engaging early helps ensure there is sufficient time to assess the information held, gather evidence, and submit requests ahead of the list closing.
If you are an occupier or an agent managing property portfolios and would like to discuss a no obligation historic review, please contact info@inform.services.
This information is correct at the time of publication and is based on current guidance.
