Business Rates Billing
When to pay
Pay by instalments
You can pay in 10 monthly instalments on the first of each month, or by Direct Debit in 10 or 11 monthly instalments on 1, 5, 15 or 25 of each month. For bills issued after April, instalments start in the month following issue. Payment at the Post Office must be paid earlier and reach us by the first of each month.
Failure to pay instalments on time could result in the full balance becoming due immediately.
Pay by lump sum
Ratepayers can pay their full year charge in one lump sum; the sum is payable on or before the 1 May.
Penalties for non payment
If rates remain outstanding 14 days after issue of a Final Notice, we may apply for a Summary Warrant. In this instance, the full amount outstanding will become payable, together with a penalty of 10% of amount due. If unpaid, this may result in legal proceedings against you to recover the debt.
How to pay
Direct Debit
More information about Direct Debit payments can be found on our website.
Online or one-off card payment
More information about payments can be found online, or you can call Customer Advice and Support during office hours on 0300 100 1800.
Bank transfers
- sort code: 83-26-34
- account number: 00601166
You must quote your NDR account reference number.
Relief and applications
Your rates bill may alter if you become entitled to a relief or a relief you have been entitled to has been removed. Some of the main reliefs are listed below and information on these and how to apply can be accessed online.
- Charitable Relief
- Disability Relief
- District Heating Relief
- Empty Property Relief
- Fresh Start
- Renewable Energy Relief
- Rural Relief
- Small Business Bonus Scheme
- Sports Clubs Relief
All reliefs are subject to an application submission and qualifying criteria being met.
Rateable Value and notifying changes
The Rateable Value (RV) of your property is calculated by your local Assessor. The most recent revaluation in Scotland was effective from 1 April 2023 and will remain in force until the next revaluation scheduled for 1 April 2026.
The amount you pay in Non-Domestic Rates is based on the RV the Assessor has placed on your property. The RV is then multiplied by the national poundage (properties with an RV over £51k will pay a supplement).
If you sell, move into, or move out of a commercial property, contact us immediately to amend your liability. Information we need will include names of parties vacating or taking over the property, relevant dates of your occupation and lease, any sales settlement dates and any details regarding solicitors involved in transactions.
Enquiries or updates of changes relating to your property's RV should be raised with your local Assessor, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 0SA or online.
Appeals
Non-valuation appeals should be made in writing to the Director of Resilient Communities, Customer Advice and Support, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells TD6 0SA. Appeals must be lodged within six weeks of the date of issue of a bill.
Rates are still required to be paid in full, pending settlement of an appeal.
We have a duty to protect the public funds it administers and may use the information you have provided for the detection and recovery of debt. We may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds. For more information refer to our Customer Advice and Support privacy notices.