The history behind a HMRC enquiry – business rates and Covid-19 Grants
FHL can opt to pay business rates as opposed to council tax.
In 80% of the UK the business rates are less than the council tax.
If the FHL owner has previously paid council tax and the FHL business rates criteria would have applied in the past, a backdated refund could be claimed.
Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) could be claimed which may reduce the business rates to nil or reduce the amount to be paid. The SBRR varies depending upon which part of the UK the property is situated.
FHL owners may have been entitled to UK/local Covid-19 grants which are usually linked to the rateable value of the property.
Note - the business rates eligibility criteria differs from the FHL income tax/capital gains tax rules.