Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), are the means by which businesses and users of most non-domestic properties contribute towards the costs of local authority services. You should be able to find the rateable value for most commercial premises of interest online (external link).
The rateable value will then need to be multiplied by the current business rates multiplier for Wales to provide you with the gross rates payable before any rates relief is applied, details of which can be found via the Business Wales website (external link).
If you decide to rent/buy the unit, you will need to inform businessrates@wrexham.gov.uk in order to be registered for non-domestic rates. You will then be issued with a demand notice detailing the amount of rates you are required to pay, if any. You can make any applicable payments online.
Alternatively, you can pay over the telephone (0300 333 6500) by debit card. Monthly payments can also be made by direct debit/standing order, or via the BACS system.
If you are unsure of any aspect of business rates liability, or what you may be required to pay before taking over a unit, you should email businessrates@wrexham.gov.uk or telephone: 01978 298990.
If you are unable to find the property (external link), please contact our Business Rates team.
If the property does require a new valuation, the Business Rates section can refer the matter to the Valuation Office Agency on your behalf once you have provided the full address, the date your lease commenced and the liable party name.
Self-catering properties / holiday lets
If you run a self-catering property or a holiday let in Wrexham, it will need to be valued for business rates if certain conditions are met.
Again, you will need to contact our Business Rates section (via the contact details provided above) to let them know the details of the property. They will then pass on the relevant information to the Valuation Office Agency in order for them assign a non-domestic rate valuation to the property.
Please be aware that if you have converted a domestic property into a holiday let, you will be required to pay Council Tax on the property until such time you meet the qualifying criteria to have the property classed as non-domestic.
Businesses trading from home
It’s possible that a domestic property from which a business is being run may need to be assigned a valuation for non-domestic rates for the part of the property being used for business purposes as well as needing to pay Council Tax. This will depend on for example:
- If your property is part business and part domestic, for example if you live above your shop
- Whether the property has been modified in order to run the business, such a garage being converted into a hairdressing salon
- Whether people are employed to work at the property.
- Whether goods or services are sold to people visiting the property.
Planning permission isn’t usually required to run a business from home, unless there would be a noticeable impact on your neighbours (in terms of noise for example), there would be a noticeable increase in traffic / parking availability / the amount of people visiting, or if you will be receiving regular / notable deliveries. The planning department of Wrexham County Borough Council will be able to answer any queries you may have from this respect.
As mentioned above, we are able to provide a legal guide for running a business from home, which would be worth reading through if this is something you’re considering. You’ll be able to request a copy by completing our enquiry form.
