Reclaiming historic Small business rates relief

regenold1300

I have been running a business for the last four years, paying approx £9800 a year business rates. Having only recently been told about the small business rate relief, I applied and now pay zero business rates. 

Am I able to reclaim any from the previous years? It seems unfair that because I wasn’t aware of the small business rates relief scheme, I’ve paid close to £40k of business rates that I wouldn’t have had to pay had I known and filled out a single form to apply. 

Any advice or pointers would be very much appreciated. 

dunstonh

What does your accountant say about this as this is the sort of thing they would pick up on?

regenold1300

My accountant does not audit the business, just submits a tax return on my behalf. Admittedly it would have been helpful if he had noticed and said ‘you shouldn’t be paying that’ 

any idea if it can be claimed back? 

dunstonh

My accountant does not audit the business, just submits a tax return on my behalf. 

You need a better accountant if they cannot point out such a simple thing.  Is it a real accountant you are using or a bookkeeper?  

Small business rates relief backdating varies with different authorities.  I

For example, Thanet can only be backdated to 1st April 2017.   If you had applied before 30th September 2017 you would have been able to backdated to 1st April 2010.  Rushmore allows backdating to April 2012 (the most common position).  Cheshire east allows 6 years.  

Do a google search for Small business rates relief and your local authority.