What is a date of death appraisal?

A date of death appraisal is a retrospective real estate valuation that determines the fair market value of a property as of the decedent’s date of death. It is often used for probate, estate administration, tax basis, and IRS Form 706 filings.

Why do you need a date of death appraisal?

You may need a date of death appraisal to establish fair market value for probate, support estate tax filings, document tax basis for heirs, reduce future capital gains confusion, and provide defensible valuation support if the estate is reviewed by the IRS, attorneys, or other interested parties.

Do I need a date of death appraisal for probate or estate settlement?

Many heirs, executors, and administrators need a date of death appraisal when settling an estate, distributing inherited property, establishing tax basis, or preparing documentation for probate or federal estate tax filings. The specific need depends on the property, estate structure, and filing requirements.

What does the IRS look for in a date of death appraisal?

The IRS generally expects a credible, well-supported appraisal with a clear effective date, appropriate scope of work, relevant market data, supportable comparable sales, reasoned adjustments, and appraiser qualifications appropriate to the assignment. Weak support or incomplete reporting can create unnecessary risk.

What are Form 706 appraisal requirements for real estate?

For Form 706 purposes, the appraisal should be credible, properly documented, and appropriate for federal estate tax reporting. That typically means identifying the property, the effective date of value, the valuation approach used, supporting market evidence, and the appraiser’s relevant qualifications.

How much does a date of death appraisal cost?

The cost of a date of death appraisal depends on factors such as property type, complexity, location, intended use, research required, and reporting depth. For many estates, the more important question is not just cost, but the financial and legal risk of relying on a weak or unsupported valuation.

What should I look for in a date of death appraisal and in a real estate appraiser?

Look for experience with retrospective valuations, probate and estate-related assignments, strong market support, clear reporting, credible methodology, and the ability to produce a report that can withstand scrutiny from the IRS, attorneys, CPAs, and family members. The right appraiser helps reduce uncertainty, not add to it.

How do I find a date of death appraisal near me in Atlanta or Georgia?

Start by looking for a licensed real estate appraiser who handles date of death appraisals, probate valuations, and estate-related assignments in Atlanta and surrounding Georgia markets. Ask whether they have experience with retrospective appraisals, Form 706 support, and reports designed for review and defensibility.