Why do I need a low EMI valuation?

You want to achieve a low EMI valuation with HMRC because the lower the valuation, the less employees pay for the shares when they’re issued (known as the 'strike price'). This means your employees make more of a profit if they sell the shares for a higher price than they were worth at the time of issue.

How do you submit an EMI valuation?

On SeedLegals, it’s quick and easy to create your valuation report. Read how it works in our step-by-step guide to your EMI valuation After you’ve created the report and the SeedLegals team have reviewed it, simply download your application and send it to HMRC at mailboxsavexternal@hmrc.gov.uk. CC emi-options@seedlegals.com to ensure the team is copied into all communication with HMRC. Your application bundle includes your: EMI valuation report VAL 231 form cover letter supporting documents (accounts and Balance Sheet) HMRC will reply by email in about 4-6 weeks, so keep an eye out for it. If HMRC come back with any questions, the SeedLegals team will be on hand to help you respond.

What do SeedLegals EMI experts help with?

Our EMI experts have an in-depth understanding of HMRC’s guidelines and all the terms in your EMI valuation report. They help you: Calculate your lowest possible valuation Build your valuation report Review your documents and report Correspond with HMRC when you submit your valuation report Answer any questions you have along the way We set up 1 in 4 EMI schemes in the UK, so we’ve got a lot of experience to draw on to help you.

How long do EMI valuation approvals take?

You can create your valuation report with SeedLegals in a few minutes. After that, our share options experts will review your application within 1-2 working days. Then you’ll send it to HMRC for approval, which takes 4-6 weeks.

How long are EMI valuations valid?

Valuations for EMI are usually valid for 90 days from the date it’s approved. You may be able to extend this agreement period for a further 30 days by writing to the HMRC EMI team. Read more in EMI option scheme important dates.

How soon can I issue share options after my valuation?

You must grant options within 90 days of receiving your valuation. Read more in EMI option scheme important dates.

Share Option Scheme EMI Valuation

Unapproved Option Schemes

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Low EMI valuations

How low can you go?

A low EMI valuation equals a low strike price. That means your employees get a big discount on shares when they exercise their options.

Achieve up to 70% discount on your EMI valuation
Reward and motivate employees with hugely discounted shares
Build your EMI valuation report in minutes

Build your EMI valuation fast

Automation makes it easy and error-free

Our valuation tool builds your EMI valuation report in minutes to help you achieve the best possible discount for your employees.

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Need some help? Our expert team is here to answer your questions and guide you through your valuation approval every step of the way.

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How to create your EMI valuation on SeedLegals

Sign up to SeedLegals

Sign up and log in to SeedLegals to get started
Generate your report

Click ‘add new valuation,’ enter a few details and your valuation report will be created in minutes
Review and send

Our share options experts will review your application before you send it to HMRC
Get your valuation approved

Wait for HMRC to get back to you with your valuation approval (it takes 4 to 6 weeks on average)

More resources on EMI valuations

What is an EMI scheme? EMI share options explained

Step-by-step guide on your EMI valuation

EMI Scheme Qualification: Do You Qualify?

FAQs

Questions about your EMI valuation

Why do I need a low EMI valuation?

You want to achieve a low EMI valuation with HMRC because the lower the valuation, the less employees pay for the shares when they’re issued (known as the 'strike price'). This means your employees make more of a profit if they sell the shares for a higher price than they were worth at the time of issue.
How do you submit an EMI valuation?
On SeedLegals, it’s quick and easy to create your valuation report. Read how it works in our
step-by-step guide to your EMI valuation

After you’ve created the report and the SeedLegals team have reviewed it, simply download your application and send it to HMRC at mailboxsavexternal@hmrc.gov.uk. CC emi-options@seedlegals.com to ensure the team is copied into all communication with HMRC.

Your application bundle includes your:
- EMI valuation report
- VAL 231 form
- cover letter
- supporting documents (accounts and Balance Sheet)
HMRC will reply by email in about 4-6 weeks, so keep an eye out for it. If HMRC come back with any questions, the SeedLegals team will be on hand to help you respond.
What do SeedLegals EMI experts help with?
Our EMI experts have an in-depth understanding of HMRC’s guidelines and all the terms in your EMI valuation report. They help you:
- Calculate your lowest possible valuation
- Build your valuation report
- Review your documents and report
- Correspond with HMRC when you submit your valuation report
- Answer any questions you have along the way
We set up 1 in 4 EMI schemes in the UK, so we’ve got a lot of experience to draw on to help you.
How long do EMI valuation approvals take?

You can create your valuation report with SeedLegals in a few minutes. After that, our share options experts will review your application within 1-2 working days. Then you’ll send it to HMRC for approval, which takes 4-6 weeks.
How long are EMI valuations valid?

Valuations for EMI are usually valid for 90 days from the date it’s approved. You may be able to extend this agreement period for a further 30 days by writing to the HMRC EMI team.

Read more in EMI option scheme important dates.
How soon can I issue share options after my valuation?

You must grant options within 90 days of receiving your valuation.

Read more in EMI option scheme important dates.

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