FARMERS and landowners have been warned that their last opportunity to appeal liability for non-domestic rates on sporting rights is fast approaching.

For anyone that received a notification letter from their local Assessors Office, the deadline is six months from the date of issue – and as most notices were sent out in September or early October, that deadline will be the end of March or early April.

Partner in Bell Ingram's Perth office, Sarah Tyson, said: “There will be many instances where an appeal is justified – from basic errors such as incorrect information being used, to situations where sporting rights cannot realistically be exercised.

“The liability for rates continues at the original assessed level until an appeal is resolved, although of course there is currently the chance to claim Small Business Bonus Scheme relief each year and remove or reduce liability, depending upon circumstances.

“The relief must be claimed through your local council against the demand for rates which is issued each year.”

Ms Tyson advised that those who have received final demand notices from their council in the last few weeks should ensure they take action now to avoid further pursuit for the 2017/18 rates debt. New notices for 2018/19 will soon begin to be issued and any relief due will need to be claimed again.