The first phase of the appeal process involves checking the factual information with regards to your property.  We must have full survey information available whilst carrying out the “check” as the information cannot be changed once submitted.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will then review the suggested changes and request evidence to support those changes, for example, plans, leases and photographs.  The VOA have a maximum of 12 months to consider the information supplied and to decide as to whether they accept the alterations being proposed.

Once the VOA have issued their Check decision, or 12 months have elapsed since the ratepayer’s Check submission, the rateable value can be challenged in valuation terms by the submitting the appropriate documentation with supporting evidence and statements, which must include rental details for the property, the specific grounds for making the challenge and a fully supported revised rateable value.

The Challenge must be made within 4 months of the VOA Check decision.

The supporting documents for the Challenge include comparable rental evidence, any relevant case law and a fully argued submission.  Additional evidence will only be permitted at later stages during the appeal process in “exceptional circumstances”.

Once the full Challenge submission has been made by the ratepayer, the VOA have a maximum of 18 months to consider the Challenge and if appropriate engage in negotiations, finally providing their evidence and thereafter issuing their Challenge decision.

If VOA’s Challenge decision remains incorrect, escalation to the Valuation Tribunal may be possible.  This must within four months of the Challenge decision.

If the case is escalated to appeal, the case is presented to an independent panel who cross examine the VOA case.  A decision is then issued by the VT 28 days after proceedings.

We don’t charge any fees for our initial consultation or a physical inspection and assessment of your commercial premises.  If you choose to instruct us to act on your behalf our fees only become payable once your case has been reviewed by our experts and they form an opinion which supports the submission of case to the Valuation Office Agency which meets the legal criteria.

It costs nothing to find out, so contact Revenue Refund now!