Accountant Valuation Checklist: Documents Needed for Property, Business and Asset Valuations

Written by: Melbourne Valuers Editorial Team

Last updated: June 2026

Introduction

This checklist is for accountants, tax advisers and business advisers who need to obtain independent valuation evidence for a client. It covers the documents and details that support property, business and asset valuations, with a focus on the tax and reporting contexts accountants deal with most often.

The recurring theme in accounting-related valuations is that the basis and date must match the purpose. A valuation for a capital gains tax event, a related-party transfer and a financial reporting figure may each require a different approach. Confirming the purpose and gathering the right evidence before instructing a valuer keeps the engagement efficient and the report defensible.

Accountants are often the person who first identifies that a client needs independent valuation evidence — at the point of a sale, a tax event, a restructure or an audit query. Acting as the conduit between the client and the valuer, the accountant is well placed to make sure the instructions are clear and the supporting records are complete. This checklist is structured to make that hand-off straightforward.

Who this checklist is for

This resource is intended for:

• Accountants and tax agents
• Tax advisers
• Business advisers and financial controllers
• CFOs and finance managers
• Anyone instructing a valuer on a client’s behalf

This is a general preparation resource, not tax or financial advice for a specific matter.

When this checklist is useful

Independent market value evidence is commonly required for:

• Capital gains tax events and cost base evidence
• Related-party and intra-group transactions
• Financial and asset reporting
• Business restructuring, sale preparation or succession
• Market value evidence for the ATO or other authorities
• Plant and equipment valuations
• Commercial property valuations

Matching the valuation to its purpose

Before gathering documents, it helps to be clear about what the figure will be used for, because the purpose drives both the basis and the date. A few common examples accountants encounter:

• For a capital gains tax event, the relevant date is usually the date of the CGT event or, for a cost base, the date of acquisition. A retrospective valuation may be required.
• For financial reporting, the figure usually needs to reflect the reporting period end and the basis required by the relevant standard.
• For a related-party transfer, independent market value evidence at the transfer date is generally expected, particularly where the parties are not dealing at arm’s length.
• For a business sale or restructure, the valuation focuses on maintainable earnings and the relevant valuation date for the transaction.

Confirming these points with the client up front avoids commissioning a report on the wrong basis or date.

The documents and details to prepare

Work through the categories below. Not every item applies to every matter — gather what is relevant.

Ownership and entity details

• Legal entity name and structure (individual, company, trust, partnership)
• ABN and ACN where relevant
• Ownership or shareholding structure

Purpose and tax context

• The reason for the valuation (CGT, reporting, transfer, restructure)
• The relevant CGT event or reporting requirement
• Whether the ATO or another authority will rely on the figure
• Cost base information for the asset, where applicable

Valuation date

• The date the value must reflect
• For CGT, the relevant event date or date of acquisition
• For reporting, the reporting period end
• Whether a retrospective valuation is required

Property assets (if applicable)

• Full address and title details
• Council rates notice
• Lease agreements for tenanted or commercial property
• Strata records for strata-titled property
• Building plans and improvement records

Business and asset valuations (if applicable)

• Financial statements for the last three to five years
• Tax returns for the relevant years
• Up-to-date management or year-to-date accounts
• Fixed asset register and depreciation schedule
• Details of owner remuneration, related-party dealings and one-off items

Supporting evidence

• Any prior valuations or appraisals
• Relevant contracts, agreements or correspondence
• Notes on anything unusual that may affect value

Instruction details to include

When you instruct the valuer, confirm the following in writing so the scope is unambiguous:

• Name of the client and entity
• The asset or business being valued
• The purpose of the valuation
• The required valuation date
• The intended users of the report
• The tax, compliance or reporting context
• Any deadlines
• Any assumptions or special requirements

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not stating the valuation purpose clearly: The same asset can have different reported values depending on the basis and date required.
• Using the wrong valuation date: CGT and reporting valuations turn on a specific date; a current figure may not be acceptable.
• Sending incomplete financials for a business valuation: Missing years, missing add-back detail or missing management accounts slow the process and weaken the report.
• Forgetting key schedules: Forgetting the fixed asset register or depreciation schedule for plant and equipment work.
• Relying on an informal appraisal: Using a basic agent or broker estimate where independent valuation evidence is required for tax or audit purposes.
• Omitting lease documents for commercial property: Lease arrangements directly affect yield and value; reports cannot be completed accurately without them.

Downloadable checklist

Download the checklist — share it with clients before they gather documents for a property, business or asset valuation.

Professional use note: Accounting and advisory firms are welcome to reference this checklist on a client resources page or send it to clients as general preparation material. It is designed to help clients assemble the right documents before obtaining independent valuation advice.

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Our Valuation Services

• Capital gains tax valuations
• Business valuations
• Commercial property valuations
• Plant and equipment valuations
• Retrospective valuations

Acting in a matter that needs independent valuation evidence?

Contact our team to discuss the documents required and the appropriate valuation basis for your client’s circumstances.