Appendix 13: time limits and procedure

The Valuation Office Agency's (VOA) technical manual used to assess Capital Gains and other taxes.

The following is a summary of the procedures and procedures in operation to ensure that an opinion of value is furnished to HMRC at the earliest opportunity. It is intended to be a guide for quick reference only and should be read in conjunction with the detailed instructions contained in Section 6. of this Manual.

Request for a not negotiated valuation

Event	Timeliness target (from date of receipt)	Action
Receipt of case	An average of 5 working days	Carry out and report all Initial Appraisals (as per Section 6, Part 2)
Further information required or papers incomplete	Within 10 working days	Advise HMRC with covering memo and cancel case
Case identified as complex and justifying an agreed valuation	Within 10 working days	Consult with HMRC on whether the case can be treated as a request for an agreed valuation in accordance with paragraph 6.42. Amend CRAC record and follow "agreed valuation" procedure.
Case not able to be reported on initial sift.	Within 10 working days	Acknowledge receipt of case and advise HMRC of caseworker contact details.
Progress reports	At 30 working days from receipt and thereafter at 20 working day intervals until reported.	Advise HMRC of position
Report values	An average of 20 working days	Report on VO 1171.

Request for an agreed valuation

Event	Timeliness target (from date of receipt)	Action
Receipt of case	An average of 5 working days	Carry out a fresh Initial Appraisal (as per paragraph 6.49)
Papers incorrect or where further information required from HMRC	Within 10 working days	Return to HMRC with covering memo and cancel case
Papers complete	Within 10 working days	Acknowledge receipt of case
No additional information required	Within 20 working days	Advise taxpayer (or agent) that case received and identify case worker
Information required from the taxpayer	Within 20 working days No reply after 20 working days	Request information relating to rights of occupation, onerous restrictions etc from taxpayer (or agent). Request may be included in letter to taxpayer (or agent) advising of receipt of case. Also, make arrangements to inspect property where needed. Send reminder. If no reply within further 15 days make telephone contact and follow procedure in paragraph 6.51.
Taxpayer provides information OR sufficient information given by HMRC	Within 20 working days of receipt of information OR 30 working days from receipt of case	Report ‘as returned’ or put opinion of value to taxpayer (agent)
No reply after 20 working days		Send reminders at 20 working day intervals
Negotiations	Within a maximum of 20 working days.	Reply to taxpayer’s or agent’s letters as soon as possible but always within this time limit.
Progress Reports	After 3 months, 6 months and 2 monthly intervals thereafter	Keep HMRC informed of progress at these points in accordance with paragraph 6.58. Also keep them advised of any significant changes to either parties’ valuation throughout negotiations.
Agreement possible	An average of 100 working days.	Report ‘agreed’ valuation to HMRC
Agreement not possible	An average of 100 working days.	Issue ‘unagreed’ report to HMRC in accordance with paragraphs 6.75 & 6.76.