The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has issued the following warning to business rate payers who may have been approached by agencies with false claims about upcoming deadlines to appeal the 2023 rating lists.
According to the VOA these claims are not true, and you should be wary of anyone making these claims.
You are generally able to challenge your property valuation on the 2023 list at any time until March 2026. Any claim of an earlier deadline, for example the end of June or August this year, are false.
The VOA says you should be cautious of any agent who:
- tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract;
- makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar;
- says they are acting on behalf of the VOA; and
- demands large sums of money up front.
Remember – you do not have to use an agent to manage your business rates.
If you want an agent to manage your business rates, use the VOA checklist to choose an agent. Do not let an agent choose you.
VOA agent standards set out clear expectations for agents regarding:
- their behaviour;
- their professional practice; and
- the service they provide to their customers.
The vast majority of agents are reputable and provide a good service, but a small minority act in bad faith.
The VOA collect evidence of poor agent behaviour and practices in the course of their work. This evidence allows the VOA to proactively address issues or concerns.
If you are concerned about potential misrepresentation by agents, send any evidence to ccaservice@voa.gov.uk.