Organisations including CBI Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and the Institute of Directors said the doubling of the large business supplement from 1.3p to 2.6p was hitting one in eight companies across Scotland.
They told finance secretary Derek Mackay that ensuring rates were the same in Scotland as the rest of the UK would make firms here more competitive and reduce cost base.
In the letter, they added: “We collectively believe that one measure requires to be taken in your upcoming budget in order to level the playing field on business rates between Scotland and England.
“That is, to reverse the decision to double the rate of the large business supplement from 1.3 pence in the pound to 2.6 pence in the pound.
“This supplement affects one out of every eight commercial premises in Scotland and is expected to add a further £62 million to these businesses’ rates bills in the current year.”
The Scottish Conservatives have consistently opposed the SNP’s plans to increase the tax burden on businesses.
And even former finance secretary John Swinney acknowledged rates should not be higher north of the border, saying previously: “This administration … acknowledges that business rates do play a part in attracting and retaining businesses and has therefore committed … to setting the poundage rate no higher than that set in England.”
Scottish Conservative shadow economy secretary Dean Lockhart said:
“This joint letter acts as a reminder that the SNP must now start to heed warnings that Scotland is becoming the least competitive part of the UK to do business.
“The doubling of a large business supplement was an action the Scottish Conservatives opposed during the budget, and its impact is beginning to be seen right across Scotland as small businesses become trapped in its net.
“It is blatantly unfair that firms in Scotland should pay more in tax than their competitors across the rest of the UK, and it’s remarkable the SNP can’t recognise this.
“Following the Brexit vote, Scottish businesses are already facing some uncertainty as to the future trading relationship with the EU and how they can continue to access the single market.
“But instead of calming that uncertainty, the First Minister has only served to maximise this opportunity to further the agenda of the SNP.
“It’s therefore hardly surprising that Scottish business wants more support from the Scottish Government, not simply increasing uncertainty.”