UK businesses have until 31 March 2026 to raise a Check on their 2023 business rates valuation. From 1 April 2026, the new rating list takes effect and any requests after that point will relate to your new valuation. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is urging firms to set up or reactivate a business rates valuation account in good time, according to guidance published on GOV.UK. (gov.uk)

This matters for cashflow. The VOA updates rateable values every three years, with the 2026 revaluation based on open market rents as at 1 April 2024. The agency also releases future valuations ahead of go‑live so businesses can check details, estimate liabilities and plan. Remember, a rateable value is not the same as the final bill. Councils set bills by applying a multiplier and any reliefs. (gov.uk)

Registration and verification are not instant. GOV.UK notes it can take up to 15 working days to register and claim a property. If your Government Gateway user ID has been inactive for three years, it may have been deleted for security reasons-meaning you’ll need to create a new login and reclaim your property, which can also take time. Build that delay into your March planning. (gov.uk)

Process-wise, start with a Check. If you dispute your 2023 rateable value, you must first complete a Check before you can Challenge. To affect your current list entry, raise the Check by 31 March 2026; any factual corrections will carry over into the 2026 valuation once it goes live on 1 April. (gov.uk)

You can preview future rateable values without logging in by using the ‘find a business rates valuation’ service on GOV.UK. To actually raise a Check, Challenge or appoint an agent, you’ll need to sign in to your business rates valuation account using Government Gateway (or create one if you don’t have it). (gov.uk)

A quick real‑world example helps. Take a Manchester café that added a small store room and reconfigured seating in 2022. After checking the VOA’s recorded floor areas and use types, the owner raises a Check to correct a measurement error. The result could be a lower rateable value-or, if the extra usable space was missed, it could rise. VOA guidance is clear that changes to a 2023 valuation can move the figure up or down, so assemble solid evidence before you file. (gov.uk)

There are limited exceptions after the deadline. If you start a Check before 1 April 2026, that case-and any related Challenges-can continue. The VOA can also correct list mistakes up to 31 March 2027, with a six‑month window from any correction for you to submit a Check. Where you’re relying on a tribunal or court decision, you must make a Check by 30 September 2026. These points come from the VOA’s own blog explainer. (valuationoffice.blog.gov.uk)

What to do this week, in practical terms. Confirm your ability to sign in, add your property, and line up documents that prove the physical facts: leases, plans, photos and dates of works. Be ready to explain any material changes since your last submission. If you prefer to use a professional, appoint an agent through your account and make sure they’re authorised to raise Check, Challenge and Appeal on your behalf. GOV.UK’s step‑by‑step guide sets out the flow. (gov.uk)

Budgeting for April. Your rateable value feeds into the council bill but does not set it on its own; multipliers and reliefs do a lot of the heavy lifting. If your 2026 value looks markedly different, update cashflow forecasts now and speak to your council about bills, reliefs and payment options once notices arrive. (gov.uk)

Timing is tight. As of 7 February 2026, there are just under eight weeks to raise a Check on the 2023 list. Because verification can take up to 15 working days, early action is prudent. The VOA also confirms it will be integrated into HMRC on 1 April 2026, with no change to how you access services-including your valuation account. (gov.uk)