Business rates information and advice

Councils collect business rates on behalf of the Welsh Government. The money is put into a national pot. It is then redistributed across Wales to pay for council and police services. 

Business rates are charged on most non-domestic properties, like:

• shops
• offices
• pubs
• warehouses
• factories

There are also other commercial interests that business rates are payable for. For example:

• telecommunication masts
• advertising rights
• cash machines
• car parks

If you use a building (or part of a building) for a business, you will likely need to pay business rates. This applies even if you have a business rate-inclusive rental agreement. 

Empty or unoccupied properties

Business rates still have to be paid on empty or unoccupied properties. These are called empty property rates.