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FAQs : Non-Domestic Rating
| Question 1 | Is the amount shown on my valuation notice the amount I have to pay ? |
| Question 2 | How often is my rateable value reassessed ? |
| Question 3 | How do you arrive at my rateable value ? |
| Question 4 | What can I do if I think my rateable value is too high ? |
| Question 5 | Does it cost money to appeal my value ? |
| Question 6 | Where can I find out the rateable values of any property ? |
| Question 7 | What is the current rate poundage ? |
| Question 8 | Who do I contact regarding my water rates ? |
| Question 9 | Should I inform the Assessor about any alterations to the property ? |
| Question 10 | Will I get a fair hearing from the Valuation Appeal Committee ? |
| Q1 : | Is the amount shown on my valuation notice the amount I have to pay ? |
| A1 : | The Rateable Value is not the figure which you pay. Your bill is calculated by your local authority who multiply the Rateable Value by a figure called the Rate in the Pound which is set each year by the Scottish Parliament. Your local authority will also apply any relief to which you may be entitled. At the present time, most rates bills are considerably lower than the figure of Rateable Value. |
| Q2 : | How often is my rateable value reassessed ? |
| A2 : | The Assessor currently carries out a general revaluation of all properties every five years. The last revaluation was effective from 01/04/2010. |
| Q3 : | How do you arrive at my rateable value ? |
| A3 : | The Assessor has a statutory right to collect information from owners and occupiers relating to property values such as building costs, sale prices, rents etc. This information is analysed by his professional staff who set the values based on this information. |
| Q4 : | What can I do if I think my rateable value is too high ? |
| A4 : | If you think your rateable value is too high, firstly contact the Assessors department and speak to a member of his staff, if you are still unhappy you may appeal against the rateable value. |
| Q5 : | Does it cost money to appeal my value ? |
| A5 : | The Assessor does not charge any fee. If after your discussion with a member of his staff you are still dissatisfied and you wish to pursue the matter you can continue to act on your own behalf or, if you wish, employ a professional agent. You may incur costs if you employ a professional agent to act on your behalf. |
| Q6 : | Where can I find out the rateable values of any property ? |
| A6 : | The Rateable Values of all non-domestic properties in Ayrshire are contained in the Valuation Roll which can be inspected in the Assessor's Office at 9 Wellington Square or at principal offices of each local authority. This information is also available, online, at the SAA web site. |
| Q7 : | What is the current rate poundage ? |
| A7 : | Non-domestic rates are levied on the basis of a national rate poundage multiplied by the rateable value of each non-domestic subject on the valuation roll. |
| Q8 : | Who do I contact regarding my water rates ? |
| A8 : | For all Non-Domestic Billing Enquiries West of Scotland Water has a single Freephone number for all customer calls Freephone 08000 27 23 22. Or contact www.scottishwater.co.uk/. |
| Q9 : | Should I inform the Assessor about any alterations to the property ? |
| A9 : | This is advisable, as any alterations may affect your Rateable Value. |
| Q10 : | Will I get a fair hearing from the Valuation Appeal Committee ? |
| A10 : | The Valuation Appeal Committee comprises a chairperson and between 3 and 6 members. They are all unpaid, completely independent of the Assessor and have no prior knowledge of your case. A paid secretary who is usually a solicitor assists the Committee. |
This page last updated : August 2010