If you want to use an agent to manage your business rates, you need to appoint them in our Check and Challenge service.

But if the agent’s name in our service does not match the name on your contract, you should be cautious. You should tell us by contacting agentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

You can also find out how long an agent has been using their current business name. You can get information about a company for free.

Some rogue agents may change their name often.

Our  VOA agent standards set out clear expectations for agents regarding:

• their behaviour
• their professional practice
• the service they provide to their customers

We take breaches of our agent standards very seriously. We will always take action if we substantiate a breach of the standards.

You should be cautious of any agent who:

• tries to pressure you to make a decision or sign a contract
• says they are acting on behalf of the VOA or forwards emails they claim are from the VOA
• demands large sums of money up front
• makes claims about ‘unclaimed credits’ or similar

Remember – you don’t have to use an agent to manage your business rates.

You can challenge your rateable value through our online service. This service is free to use.

If you want an agent to manage your business rates, use our checklist to choose an agent. Don’t let an agent choose you.

Using an agent who is a member of a professional body may provide extra reassurance as they will be subject to that body’s rules and regulations. The Institute of Revenues, Rating, Valuation, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Rating Surveyors’ Association have published joint standards that their members should follow.

We also have guidance on staying safe from scammers.

We collect evidence of poor agent behaviour and practices in the course of our work. This evidence allows us to proactively address issues or concerns.

If you are concerned about poor behaviour by agents, send any evidence to agentstandards@voa.gov.uk.

We cannot advise you on contractual issues you may have with any agent. You should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service. They have a helpline you can call on 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can also report them to Trading Standards via Citizens Advice.

If you believe you are a victim of fraud, you can make a report to Action Fraud.