Homeowners face fines for refusing Mansion Tax inspections
New details are emerging about the controversial Mansion Tax after a consultation on the proposed charge ended last month.
Homeowners of high-value homes could be subject to inspections of the inside of their property to determine its value under the Government’s controversial Mansion Tax, according to reports.
It has also been suggested that homeowners who refuse an inspector entry could face a fine of up to £200.
Under Treasury proposals, owners of homes in England worth £2million or more will have to pay an extra High Value Council Tax Surcharge from April 2028. The charge will range from £2,500 to £7,500 depending on the value of the property.
A consultation on the tax ended in July and the Government is considering its response before introducing legislation.
Professional valuers use a range of freely available information sources to ensure valuations are based on the most up-to-date information.”
The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) will be tasked with valuing homes but disputes are expected, especially as homeowners will be keen to avoid high tax bills.
It emerged over the weekend that “Mansion Tax police” could be sent into homes to decide how much owners should pay.
The Daily Telegraph reported that homeowners who refuse an inspector entry would be committing a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of up to £200.
HMRC statement
HMRC hasn’t explicitly denied the plans.
A spokesperson said the taxman doesn’t routinely visit properties and any visits would take place by prior agreement in order to help us get their valuation right.
The spokesperson told The Neg: “Our professional valuers use a range of freely available information sources to ensure valuations are based on the most up-to-date information. In the vast majority cases, we will be able to make banding decisions using existing information without the need to visit a property.”
It comes after Knight Frank’s Tom Bill warned that the Mansion Tax rates may even rise in the next Budget.
