Business owners are being warned to think carefully if approached by people offering help to reduce their Business Rate bills, in return for an upfront fee.

HMRC Valuation Office, the organisation responsible for setting a Rateable Value for every business property, has warned of activity of so called ‘Rogue Agents’ in the Staffordshire area.

Businesses have a right to challenge the rateable value of their property and to employ specialist agencies to help with the process. But HMRC Valuation Office advise business owners to always check a firm or individual’s background and professional status before signing a contract and to be cautious of any agent who:

• tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract
• says they are acting on behalf of HMRC Valuation Office
• demands large sums of money up front
• makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar.

The following help is also available from the website of HMRC Valuation Office:

• Create a business rates valuation account to manage your business rates yourself. 
• A checklist to help businesses choose an agent, if you want an agent to manage your business rates. 
• HMRC Valuation Office agent standards set out clear expectations for agents. 
• Guidance on identifying and reporting misrepresentation by agents and staying safe from scammers.