Commercial property taxes

Business property taxes are likely to apply to businesses with commercial premises. There are two key commercial property taxes: business rates and stamp duty land tax. You also need to understand how VAT applies to business premises.  Understanding business property taxes can help ensure that you take advantage of any available tax reliefs and that you aren’t caught out by unexpected commercial property tax charges.

Ask your accountant for help and for advice on how to reduce the total business property tax (and other taxes) you pay.

Commercial property taxes — business rates

Business rates are charged on most commercial properties. The tax payable is calculated using the rateable value of the premises and the business rate multiplier. There can be scope to appeal against your rates if you think the rateable value was wrongly assessed or there has been a substantial change to your commercial property.

If you own a commercial property, you are liable for the business rates. If you rent a business property, the terms of your lease or rental agreement should make it clear whether you or your landlord is responsible for paying the business rates. Complications may arise if you use part of your home for business. Depending on the circumstances, you may become liable for business rates.

Business rates are largely inevitable, though there are a few exemptions for certain types of business property, such as agricultural buildings. There are also reliefs for small businesses and businesses whose rateable value has increased substantially. Empty business property tax relief is given for three months (or longer in some cases).

Businesses have the opportunity to defer 60% of the increase amount of their 2012-13 business rate bills. The extra can be repaid equally across the following two years.

Commercial property taxes — stamp duty

Business property taxes can also apply when you purchase commercial premises — either freehold or with a lease. This takes the form of stamp duty land tax (SDLT).

The amount of this commercial property tax depends on the value of the transaction. The tax rate ranges from zero (for a purchase price below £150,000) to 4% (if the price exceeds £500,000). An additional 1% may apply to the total value of the rent payable over the life of a lease. There is no exemption for first-time buyers.

Commercial property and VAT

Commercial property is normally exempt from VAT (although freehold sales of new commercial buildings do attract VAT). So, for example, a landlord will not charge VAT on the rent — but nor will the landlord be able to recover any VAT paid out on expenses.

The owner of land and buildings can 'opt to tax', asking HM Revenue & Customs to remove the exemption so that VAT applies. For example, this might suit a landlord whose tenants are VAT-registered (and so can recover the VAT they are charged), allowing the landlord to recover VAT on expenses.

The rules are complicated, but it’s essential to understand the VAT status of any commercial property you own, occupy or are planning to buy or rent. Otherwise you may find yourself with a large commercial property tax bill that you cannot recover.

Popular content on commercial property taxes:

• Estimate your rates bill

Find more articles, calculators and tools on commercial property taxes in the resources box on the right.