Before instructing any company to help you with your business rates appeal and / or audit it is important to make sure you are comfortable with the company you are using and the terms they are offering.
Here are a few handy tips for when you are either approached by a firm or are looking for someone yourself :
Surveyors & Agents .
- Ensure they are RICS certified and regulated.
- Do not pay any amounts upfront – a reputable surveyor will be happy to work on a ‘no win no fee’ basis. There may be a fee for the challenge stage of the process but any surveyor will discuss this with you.
- Read the T’s & C’s, are they likely to bill for future years savings, or even changes that affect your next rating list RV?
- Check the fee and negotiate.
- Check which rating list the work applies to and that it does not tie you in for future lists (unless you want it to).
- Check where any refunds are issued to, a client account or direct to yourself. Either is acceptable but make sure you are comfortable with whichever you choose.
- Is there any indemnity for if your rates are increased through the appeals process?
- Research the company and have a google around, you will be surprised where companies get discussed these days!
Auditors.
- Ensure they are members of the Institute of Revenues and Rating and that they adhere to their code on Marketing Practice for Rating Services.
- Do not pay any amounts upfront, a reputable audit firm will be happy to work on a ‘no win no fee’ basis.
- Read the T’s & C’s, are they likely to bill for future years savings, or even changes that affect the next rating list,
- Check the fee and negotiate.
- Is there any indemnity for if your rates are increased through the audit process?
- Check where any refunds are issued to, a client account or direct to yourself. Either is acceptable but make sure you are comfortable with whichever you choose.