HMRC share valuation service for UK companies
Independent, HMRC-aware valuations of unquoted UK shares for EMI grants, Section 431 elections, buy-backs, gifts and probate - fixed fee, confirmed in writing, delivered in 3 to 5 working days.
- Fixed fee agreed before we start
- VAL231 and IHT400 ready
- Discounts evidenced, not asserted
- Prepared by a senior valuer
What is an HMRC share valuation?
Whenever shares in a private UK company change hands, are gifted, are placed under option or pass through an estate, HMRC expects the transaction to be reported at market value. For an unquoted company there is no share price to point to, so the value has to be constructed - and evidenced.
An HMRC share valuation is that evidence. It applies the statutory basis relevant to the tax in question, sets out the methodology, the comparable data and the discounts applied, and reaches a conclusion your accountant can rely on when the return is filed. HMRC's Shares and Assets Valuation team reviews a minority of cases, but when it does, the quality of the underlying reasoning is what decides the outcome.
Optival prepares these reports as a fixed-fee engagement. We are independent valuers, not a regulated tax adviser: we do not file your return or enter into agreements with HMRC on your behalf, but our report is written to be filed alongside it.
How much does an HMRC share valuation cost?
Fixed fees, confirmed in writing before any work begins. No hourly billing and no variation unless the scope itself changes.
EMI share valuation (UMV & AMV)
From £1,950Unrestricted and actual market value for EMI option grants, with the analysis needed to support a VAL231 submission.
Shareholder & buy-back valuation
From £2,200Share transfers, buy-outs, company share buy-backs and internal shareholder events, with evidenced minority and marketability discounts.
Probate & IHT valuation
From £2,200Open-market value of unquoted shares at the date of death, prepared to the standard required for form IHT400.
Section 431 election
From £1,950Unrestricted market value reports for restricted securities, delivered inside the 14-day election window.
Gift & lifetime transfer valuation
From £2,200Market value for lifetime gifts of shares, family succession and inheritance tax planning.
Growth shares & structured equity
From £2,500Hurdle pricing and option-based modelling for growth shares, alphabet shares and management incentive structures.
All fees are stated excluding VAT. Complex group structures, multiple share classes or cross-border holdings are quoted individually - see full pricing.
How the engagement works
Three steps, one fixed fee, a report your adviser can file.
We confirm the tax context
A short call establishes the purpose (EMI grant, buy-back, gift, probate), the valuation date and the share class. You receive a fixed fee and timetable in writing before anything starts.
HMRC-aware methodology
Earnings multiples calibrated to UK listed comparables and private transaction evidence, cross-checked against net assets or a discounted cash flow, with discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability evidenced rather than asserted.
Documentation your adviser can file
A written report setting out the basis of value, the evidence and the conclusion - suitable for your accountant, your solicitor and, where relevant, submission alongside VAL231 or IHT400.
What you receive
Optival provides independent valuation advice. We are not a regulated tax adviser and do not enter into agreements with HMRC on a company's behalf.
Need an HMRC share valuation?
Tell us the purpose and the deadline. A senior valuer will confirm scope, fixed fee (from £1,950) and delivery date, usually within one working day.
- Response from a senior valuer within 4 business hours
- No obligation - scoping call and fixed-fee quote
- Independent, HMRC-aware methodology
HMRC Share Valuation FAQ
Common questions from founders, finance directors and accountants.
Related guides
HMRC's Updated Guidance on Share Valuations
Breaking down the latest HMRC guidance and what it means for your business's share scheme valuations.
Read articleRegulatoryWhy Do I Need a Valuation to Set Up a Share Scheme?
Understand why an independent share valuation is essential before launching an EMI, CSOP, or unapproved share scheme - and the risks of getting it wrong.
Read articleCase StudiesShareholder Valuation Disputes: A Guide for UK SMEs
Practical guidance for UK SMEs on resolving shareholder valuation disputes - from articles and shareholder agreements to independent valuation evidence.
Read articleGet a fixed fee before you commit
Send us the purpose, the company and the deadline. We confirm the scope, the fixed fee and the delivery date in writing - then prepare a report your adviser can file.
Request a valuation