Register for business rates

New to the area

If you are new to the area and have moved your business or started your business in Tunbridge Wells for the first time you need to register for business rates.

Before you start

To register you will need to tell us:

• your full name
• your company name
• the full business address
• the date you moved in
• the date the lease starts
• if you occupy any other business premises

Register by email

An existing business owner in Tunbridge Wells

If your business is moving within Tunbridge Wells or out of the borough completely you will need to let us know.

Before you start

You will need to tell us:

• your business rates reference number
• your full name
• your moving date
• the full address of where you are moving from
• the date your lease ends
• the name and address of the landlord
• the full address of where you are moving to
• the date your lease starts for the new premises

Email us about your move

What are business rates

Non-domestic rates, or business rates, collected by local authorities are the way that those who occupy non-domestic property contribute towards the cost of local services.

Under the business rates retention arrangements introduced from 1 April 2013, authorities keep a proportion of the business rates paid locally.

This provides a direct financial incentive for authorities to work with local businesses to create a favourable local environment for growth since authorities will benefit from growth in business rates revenues. The money, together with revenue from Council Tax payers, revenue support grant provided by the government and certain other sums, is used to pay for the services provided by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and other local authorities in your area.

Further information about the business rates system, including transitional and other reliefs, can be found on the GOV.UK website.