Business rates
(Also known as: NNDR)
Information on how to pay, small business rate relief and exemptions.
Contact Details:
Address: Business Rates,
Southampton City Council,
Civic Centre,
Southampton
Postcode: SO14 7LD
Telephone: 023 8083 2997
Email: business.rates@southampton.gov.uk
Fax: 023 8083 2144
Details of service:
At the start of each financial year you will receive your Business Rates bill payable in ten monthly instalments. This is the timescale set by the government.
If you become liable to pay rates later in the financial year, or have an adjustment to your account during the financial year, you will be given as many monthly instalments as the rules allow.
Payments are due on the 1st of each month.
By Direct Debit
Complete the Direct Debit form enclosed with your bill or print the form below.
You can also get a form from our offices.
The Direct Debit Guarantee protects everybody who pays by direct debit. Make sure that you keep a copy of the guarantee.
Direct Debit payments can be collected on the 1st or the 15th of each month.
Set up a Direct Debit to pay your Business Rates online.
At your bank
Obtain the form at your bank, quoting your business rates account reference number. Please enquire if a fee is payable by you.
Pay to:
National Westminster Bank
12 High Street
Southampton
Sort code: 56-00-68
Account number: 00000043
At the Post Office
Obtain the form at your Post Office, quoting your business rates account reference. Please enquire if a fee is payable by you.
Pay to:
Girobank 2579340
and send to Girobank in the envelope provided.
Posting a cheque
Cheques should be made payable to Southampton City Council. Write your business rates account reference on the reverse of your cheque and post (with a stamped addressed envelope if you require a receipt) to:
Business Rates
Southampton City Council
Civic Centre
Southampton
SO14 7LD
In person at the cash office in
Gateway One Stop Shop
Civic Centre
Southampton
Opening times are:
9am to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday
9am to 4pm Friday.
A handitill deposit box is also available in Gateway 7.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Debit and credit card payments
Debit and credit card payments can be made using the automated telephone system. Please telephone 02380 832990.
Callers are greeted by a voice message which explains what to do. Please have your account reference number and the card details ready for your payment to be made promptly.
Online payment
Debit and credit card payments can also be made online using the online payment link.
National Non Domestic Rates or Business Rates is a tax on all business and non-domestic properties. Southampton has approximately 6,500 commercial properties and collects in the region of £70+ million each year.
Business Rates are calculated by multiplying the Rateable Value of an individual property by the National Non Domestic Multiplier. The result of this calculation is the amount of rates payable for the year. However, the Government's transition scheme may vary this amount by putting limits on increases and reductions in rate levels.
The rates collected are paid to Central Government, and then reallocated to the City Council as a grant, based on population levels.
This money together with revenue from Council Tax help make up the Council's budget to deliver local services provided each year.
Services such as:
- Housing
- Leisure Centres
- Libraries
- Parks
- Policing
- Refuse Collection
- Schools
- Social Services
- Street Maintenance
How to get more information:
Complaints should be sent to the Local Taxation Services Manager at the address above.
Business rates - individual account
This page gives you details of who to contact if you have queries on business rates.
Business rates - rates reduction
Information on business rates reliefs and reductions.
Last updated: 2 October 2007
