IHTM23060 - Making a reference to the VOA: informal referrals

An informal opinion of value is an approximate estimate of value given on the basis of

• the VOA's office records, and
• without inspection of the property

If you require an informal opinion of value you should

• write to the appropriate administrative support unit ( IHTM23002) stating your cost centre reference,
• give a short explanation of the precise circumstances in which the opinion is required, bearing in mind that the VOA ( IHTM23002) can frequently say that the value of a property does not exceed £X much more easily than its value is say £Y (and making clear the present aggregate value of the chargeable estate, including any offered value for the property in question), and
• provide sufficient details to enable the VOA to identify the property in question (meaning the full address, including the post code)

If it is feasible to use e-mail for such an enquiry, Our Valuation Office Liaison can supply a contact name for the relevant Unit administration team.

If the informal opinion suggests that the IHT will be payable you should then make a formal reference on VOA 1 ( IHTM23042) or VOA 2 ( IHTM23043), as appropriate.

If you find it necessary to tell the taxpayer that you have received informal advice from the VOA your reply should be in general terms, for example

‘On the basis of the VOA's informal opinion the value of the estate now exceeds the taxable threshold of .……’

The VOA time limit for responding substantively in such cases is 20 working days, although an acknowledgement slip will be issued in the usual way ( IHTM23072). Once you have issued the informal request, you should enter a review date of 30 working days for any necessary follow- up action ( IHTM23101). Referring any problems to Our Valuation Office Liaison (This text has been withheld because of exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act 2000)