Frequently asked questions
Each year we issue new business rates demands to all non-domestic properties in the city. You'll receive these by post, unless you have signed up to paperless billing in which case you will get an E-mail from us.
When will my bill arrive?
We will post annual Business Rates demands on Tuesday 17 March. Please allow time for delivery.
If you're signed up to paperless billing, your e-bill will arrive in your inbox by Tuesday 17 March.
Why has my bill increased?
From April 2026, the Government have introduced five new business rates multipliers. These will reflect both business type and property value. Further information on these multipliers, including how to apply to change your multiplier if applicable, can be found at https://www.stoke.gov.uk/multipliers
Why has my rateable value changed?
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has reviewed the rateable values of all businesses effective from 1 April 2026. If you think your rateable value is incorrect, you will need to contact the VOA directly at www.gov.uk/business-rates-valuation-account as the Local Authority is unable to review this decision.
I’ve appealed against my Business Rates rateable value, do I still have to pay my instalments as stated?
You must continue to pay as you’ve been billed until notified otherwise.
If you’ve overpaid at any point, you’ll be entitled to a refund. More information about how to appeal against your rateable value can be found on the Valuation Office Agency’s website.
Do I qualify for any discounts?
Please visit Business rates | Stoke-on-Trent to view available discounts, check your eligibility and apply.
How do I sign up for e-billing?
Take a look at our My account | Stoke-on-Trent for more information.
I’ve signed up for paperless e-billing, will I receive a paper copy of my bill?
No, you will receive an email notification advising you that your bill is ready to view.
How do I pay my demand?
Bills can be spread monthly (over 10 or 12 months), as well as six-monthly and annual options. The back of your demand will tell you all the ways you can pay and available payment dates. More information on payment options is also available here.
If you pay by direct debit
If you already pay by Direct Debit, you don’t need to do anything – we will continue to collect payments on the date shown on your bill.
How do I set up a Direct Debit to pay my business rates?
If you wish to set up a Direct Debit for someone else, you will need to fill in a Business Rates Direct Debit mandate form and send it back to us.
Business Rates Direct Debit mandate
Do I need to complete a new Direct Debit each year?
Direct Debits continue year to year, so you don't need to do anything - we will collect your new instalments on the date shown. If your balance changes, we will automatically notify your bank of the new amount. We'll also tell you about any change at least 10 working days before we request a payment.
Please note, if you pay by Standing Order instead of Direct Debit, you will need to notify your bank of your new instalments to change the amount you pay.
My account is in credit, can I request a refund?
You can request a refund of your Business Rates here, if you have overpaid.
Any credit showing when your annual bill was produced will have been used to reduce your 2026/27 instalments. If you request a refund, then your 2026/27 demand will therefore increase.
My bill has arrears for the previous year, are these included in the current instalments?
If you've just had your new bill and it shows a balance brought forward from the previous year, please bear in mind that the bills are produced on the 14 March.
Your new annual bill will only show payments received up to 12 March.
There will be a memorandum note at the bottom of each bill that has a balance outstanding for 2025/26 which will say… "As at 12th March your 2025/26 account balance is xxx…"
If you do have arrears, these will not be included in your new instalments. It is important that these are paid in full before 31st March 2026 to avoid court proceedings being taken.
My bill shows that I have court proceedings, but I’ve made an arrangement to pay already.
If you’ve received a summons, have a special payment arrangement in place or have contacted us to arrange payment, then all you have to do is continue with your agreed arrangement. You will also need to pay the new instalments on your new annual bill.
How can I contact you if I still have a question about my bill?
If you can’t find the information that you’re looking for, or still need to speak to us about your bill, you can contact the Business rates team by logging into your business rates account here. Once logged in, you will be able to:
- view your up to date account information
- check your balance, payments and bills
- switch to paperless billing
- update your contact details
- manage your direct debit
- tell us you or a tenant has moved
- Find the rateable value of a property
- upload documents or evidence
More information about how to get in touch with us about your business rates can be found here.
Contact the Business Rates team
Contact Business Rates
Log into your Business Rates account online account where you can view your bills, make changes to your account and much more. To contact us, complete an online enquiry, and if required our team will respond by E-mail.