A refund can be considered where there is an overall credit on a Business Rates account.
Credits will be transferred to previous years' debts where there is a balance outstanding before issuing a refund.
When moving to another property within the borough, any credit on the account will initially be transferred to the new liability. A refund for the credit is permitted if requested by the rate payer.
Evidence required for payment
Refunds of business rates are usually paid directly into the bank account of the person(s) or business whose name is on the business rates bill. Evidence of the bank account number and sort code will be required before the refund is processed.
If the refund is to be paid to anyone other than the person named on the business account we will require supporting evidence to confirm the correct recipient and account for payment.
Where there is a joint liability, we require the agreement and signatures for both parties for payment of the refund to a sole or alternative bank account.
Write backs
Credits remaining on the account with insufficient information to refund will be written back to the account as part of the annual billing process.
Processing Time
We aim to process refunds within 28 days to allow for authorisation.
Delegation of Authority for approval
All refunds over £2,500 must be approved by a Revenues or Benefits Team Leader.
Refunds over £10,000 must be approved by the Revenues and Benefits Manager.
Refunds over £50,000 must be approved by the Executive Head of Service.