A completion notice is issued when a newly constructed building (or existing building that has been split or merged) is considered complete for non-domestic business rates.
The completion notice is a document that specifies the ‘completion date’ – this is the date on which a commercial premises becomes rateable and enters the rating list for business rates purposes.
There are 3 stages recognised by the construction industry:
- Shell and core – not complete
- Category A – 'Builders finish' – floors, ceilings and services – probably capable of completion in 3 months for small developments
- Category B – Partitioned ready for occupation – complete – meets the VOA Rating Manual’s definition of a hereditament and completion notice is probably not necessary – but 'complete' means 'complete' and not “very nearly complete”
If the premises are unoccupied and empty from this ‘completion date’ then the premises will be eligible for a three month exemption, whilst it remains so. If it is an industrial premises, then up to six months exemption can apply.
If you dispute this date, please give your reasons in writing to rates@basingstoke.gov.uk. You have a further right to appeal within 28 days of the date of this notice, to the Valuation Tribunal, against the completion date specified in this notice.