Last year, the Government changed the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, which offers reduced payments of up to 50% for small firms. Previously, business owners applied annually for rates relief, but the next deadline for applications will not be until September 2010.

SBRR is applicable to ratepayers who occupy single properties with rateable values below £15,000 (or £21,500 in London). It also applies to those who occupy multiple properties which each have a rateable value that is below £2,200, where the total value is less than the above threshold.

Ratepayers are obliged to notify their local councils within four weeks of any increase in the rateable value of their properties outside the area covered by the authority granting the relief, and of any additional properties they occupy. Failure to do so could affect their entitlement to relief.

Philip Moody, Senior Member Services Representative at the FPB, said: "Many business owners will be unaware of this deadline. It does not apply to everyone, but they need to check their rates to see if they are eligible, and get their applications in if they are. If they have any doubts, they can contact the FPB's member helpline on 0845 130 1722."