Apply for Business Rates relief
If you pay Business Rates, your property may be eligible for Business Rates relief.
There are various reliefs and exemptions available which can reduce your Business Rates liability.
You do not have to pay to apply for a Business Rates relief or exemption. Be wary of anyone who proposes to apply on your behalf for a fee.
Small Business Bonus Scheme
You may be eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme if the combined rateable value of all your business premises in Scotland is £35,000 or less.
Apply for Small Business Bonus Scheme or find out more
Empty property relief
Empty properties may be eligible for 50% relief from Business Rates for the first three months they are empty.
10% relief will apply at the end of the three-month period.
Apply for empty property relief or find out more
Charities, sports clubs and recreation clubs
Charities and amateur community sports clubs can apply for relief of up to 80% if a property is used for charitable purposes. You may also be eligible for a discretionary award from the council (up to 100%). If you run a non-profit recreation club, you're not automatically entitled to relief, but you may be eligible for a discretionary award of up to 100%
Apply for charitable relief or find out more
Rural rates relief
You may be eligible for rural rates relief if your business is in an eligible area with a population below 3,000 and either:
- the only small food shop, general store or post office with a rateable value of up to £8,500
- the only petrol station, small hotel or public house with a rateable value of up to £12,750
- public libraries and public conveniences
East Lothian rural villages with a population less than 3,000
Qualifying conditions apply, however to find out more, or to apply, contact the Business Rates team.
Business Growth Accelerator relief
You may be able to qualify for Business Growth Accelerator relief if:
- your premises are a new build property
- your rateable value has increased following an expansion or improvement to your property
New build premises
If your property is a new build, you may not have to pay Business Rates until 12 months after the building was completed.
New build properties are only charged from the date they are occupied. New occupants may then qualify for Business Growth Accelerator relief for 12 months.
Expanding or making improvements to your property
If you have expanded or improved your property, and your rateable value has increased as a result of those changes, your Business Rates charge may be based on your old rateable value for 12 months.
Apply for Business Growth Accelerator relief or find out more
Other Business Rates reliefs
There are a number of other reliefs available to help reduce your Business Rates bill.
Visit mygov.scot for more information
For all relief, eligibility criteria applies and applications will be subject to qualifying criteria.
If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your circumstances, contact our Business Rates team and we will make sure you get the help and advice you need.