5 Steps to Protect Your Inherited Real Estate From Unnecessary Tax Exposure…
Updated August 2026 | Date of Death & Estate Real Estate Appraisals
If you recently inherited a home, rental property, land, or commercial real estate, determining what the property was worth on the date of death may be one of the most important financial steps you take before selling, distributing, or reporting the asset.
Why?
Because the IRS generally establishes the basis of inherited property using its fair market value as of the decedent's date of death, subject to certain exceptions and alternate valuation rules. That value can become extremely important when the property is later sold and a capital gain or loss must be calculated.
A properly developed Date of Death appraisal can provide independent support for that historical fair market value.
Here are five steps executors, beneficiaries, attorneys, and estate representatives should consider when inherited real estate is involved.
Step 1: Determine Whether You Need a Date of Death Appraisal
A Date of Death appraisal, sometimes called a retrospective estate appraisal, develops an opinion of the property's fair market value as of a historical date—typically the date the property owner died.
This is different from asking:
"What is the property worth today?"
The relevant question becomes:
"What was this property worth on the date of death?"
That distinction matters because real estate markets change.
Prices, interest rates, market conditions, property supply, buyer demand, comparable sales, and neighborhood conditions in August 2026 may be substantially different from the conditions that existed when the decedent died.
The IRS states that the basis of inherited property is generally its fair market value on the date of death, although alternate valuation and other special rules may apply.
If inherited real estate may eventually be sold, distributed, reported on an estate tax return, or used to establish tax basis, speak with your CPA, attorney, or tax professional about whether a retrospective appraisal should be obtained.
Step 2: Establish a Defensible Fair Market Value
This is where the appraisal can become financially significant.
Imagine a property was originally purchased decades ago for $100,000 and is inherited many years later.
For inherited property, the beneficiary's basis is generally tied to the property's fair market value at the date of death rather than simply carrying forward what the decedent originally paid, subject to applicable IRS rules and exceptions.
If the inherited property is later sold for more than its applicable basis, the difference may result in a taxable gain.
That is why establishing a well-supported historical value matters.
The objective should not be to obtain the highest possible appraisal or the lowest possible appraisal.
The objective is to develop a credible, market-supported opinion of fair market value that can be supported by the market evidence available as of the applicable valuation date.
Step 3: Hire the Right Real Estate Appraiser
A common search after inheriting property is:
"IRS qualified appraiser near me."
But the right appraiser should not simply be someone willing to provide a number.
For a retrospective Date of Death assignment, consider an appraiser's:
State certification or licensing
Experience with the applicable property type
Geographic competency in the property's market
Experience completing retrospective valuations
Understanding of estate, tax, and intended-use appraisal assignments
Ability to research historical market conditions and comparable sales
Ability to clearly explain and support the final value conclusion
For certain federal tax purposes—particularly qualified appraisals involving noncash charitable contributions—the IRS imposes specific requirements concerning both the appraisal and the qualified appraiser performing it. Current IRS instructions state that applicable qualified appraisals must be prepared by a qualified appraiser and in accordance with the substance and principles of USPAP, along with the applicable Treasury Regulations.
The exact requirements depend on why the appraisal is being obtained, which is why the appraiser should know the intended use before accepting the assignment.
Step 4: Make Sure the Appraisal Matches the Intended Tax or Estate Purpose
Not every estate-related appraisal serves the same purpose.
A real estate appraisal may potentially be needed for:
Date of Death / Estate Administration:
Establishing the retrospective fair market value of inherited real property.
Form 706 / Federal Estate Tax:
The IRS's current Form 706 instructions require real estate included in the gross estate to be reported on Schedule A and instruct filers to explain how reported values were determined and attach copies of appraisals.
Gift Tax Purposes:
Real property transferred as a gift may require valuation under different tax rules and circumstances.
Charitable Contributions:
For many noncash charitable contributions exceeding $5,000, IRS rules require a qualified appraisal from a qualified appraiser. Form 8283 is an appraisal summary—it is not itself the appraisal.
Capital Gains / Tax Basis:
A retrospective appraisal may help establish the historical fair market value used in determining the basis of inherited property when applicable.
Before ordering the appraisal, tell the appraiser exactly why you need it.
"Estate planning," "Date of Death," "Form 706," "gift tax," "charitable contribution," and "selling inherited property" should not automatically be treated as interchangeable intended uses.
Step 5: Get the Appraisal Before You Actually Need It
One of the biggest problems with retrospective appraisals is waiting.
The appraiser may be asked years later to reconstruct a market that no longer exists.
The property itself may have been renovated, damaged, demolished, or sold. Photographs may disappear. Records may become difficult to locate. Individuals familiar with the property's condition may no longer be available.
The appraisal can still potentially be completed retrospectively, but maintaining good documentation can make the process considerably easier.
Executors and beneficiaries should consider preserving:
Photographs of the property
Repair and renovation records
Surveys and plats
Leases and rent rolls for income-producing property
Property tax records
Closing documents
Information concerning the property's physical condition around the date of death
Any previous appraisals or property-related documents
The earlier these records are preserved, the stronger the historical record available to the appraiser.
Date of Death Appraisal FAQs
Do I need a Date of Death appraisal?
Not every estate requires one. However, when real estate is inherited and its historical fair market value must be established for estate administration, tax basis, reporting, or a future sale, a retrospective appraisal may be appropriate. Your CPA or estate attorney should advise you regarding the specific tax filing requirements applicable to your estate.
Why do you need a Date of Death appraisal?
The primary purpose is to establish a supportable opinion of what the real property was worth on the applicable historical valuation date. For inherited property, the IRS generally provides that basis is determined using fair market value on the date of death, subject to applicable exceptions and elections.
Who does a Date of Death appraisal?
A qualified real property appraiser with competency in the property's market, property type, retrospective valuation, and intended use of the assignment should perform the appraisal.
What should I look for in a Date of Death appraisal and real estate appraiser?
Look for a report that clearly identifies the effective date, intended use, property rights appraised, relevant historical market conditions, comparable market evidence, valuation methodology, assumptions and limiting conditions, and a well-supported final opinion of value.
The report should explain how and why the appraiser reached the value—not merely provide a number.
What are the Form 706 appraisal requirements for real estate?
Form 706 is the federal estate and generation-skipping transfer tax return. When the gross estate contains real estate, Schedule A is used to report it. Current IRS instructions state that the real estate should be described sufficiently for the IRS to locate and value it, and the filer should explain how reported values were determined and attach copies of appraisals.
Will the IRS accept a Restricted Appraisal Report?
Do not assume that a Restricted Appraisal Report is appropriate merely because it is an appraisal report.
The appropriate reporting format depends upon the assignment's intended use, applicable appraisal standards, and any specific IRS or regulatory requirements. When an appraisal will support a tax filing or other high-stakes estate matter, the appraiser, attorney, and tax professional should determine what documentation is appropriate for that specific assignment.
What are the IRS qualified appraisal requirements?
The answer depends on the tax purpose. The IRS has particularly detailed "qualified appraisal" and "qualified appraiser" requirements for certain noncash charitable contributions. Current Form 8283 instructions state that qualifying appraisals must satisfy applicable Treasury Regulations and be prepared by a qualified appraiser.
Do not assume that the same requirements apply identically to every Date of Death, estate, gift, or charitable contribution assignment.
Can an appraiser complete an appraisal for gift tax purposes?
Yes, when the appraiser possesses the necessary competency for the property, market, and assignment. Because federal gift-tax reporting has its own requirements, the appraiser should be informed at engagement that the appraisal is being obtained for gift-tax purposes.
What about a qualified appraisal for a charitable contribution?
Different rules apply. For many noncash property donations exceeding $5,000, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal, subject to exceptions. Current IRS guidance also requires Form 8283 for applicable noncash charitable contributions.
How much does a Date of Death appraisal cost?
There is no universal fee.
The cost depends on the property type, complexity, location, historical effective date, availability of market data, scope of work, intended use, and reporting requirements.
A single-family residence with readily available historical market evidence may require a very different scope of work than a multi-tenant commercial property, apartment complex, industrial facility, or acreage tract.
Can a Date of Death appraisal help reduce capital gains taxes?
An appraisal does not guarantee a tax reduction.
What it can do is provide a professionally developed and supported opinion of the property's fair market value as of the applicable date.
Because inherited property's basis is generally tied to fair market value at the date of death, establishing the appropriate historical value can materially affect the calculation of gain when inherited property is later sold.
The tax consequences should always be determined by your CPA, tax attorney, or other qualified tax professional.
Need a Date of Death Appraisal?
If you inherited real estate and need to establish its historical fair market value, R.E.I. Valuations and Advisory provides professional real estate appraisal services for estate, Date of Death, tax-related, and other private-party valuation assignments.
As part of the appraisal process, we can help you identify the property information and historical documentation needed for the assignment so you know what to gather before the appraisal begins.
Current availability is limited, and retrospective assignments can require additional research depending on the effective date and availability of historical market data. If you have an upcoming estate filing, property sale, attorney deadline, or tax-related deadline, contacting an appraiser early can help provide adequate time for the required research and analysis.
Call: 404-692-3878
Email: REIValuations@gmail.com
R.E.I. Valuations and Advisory
Professional Real Estate Valuation for Estate & Date of Death Purposes
This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified CPA, tax professional, or attorney regarding your specific estate and tax circumstances.
August 16th 2026 5:04pm
Date of Death Appraisals: The One Mistake That Could Cost Your Estate Thousands in Taxes…
When a loved one passes away, the last thing most families expect is to face questions from the IRS about the value of real estate. Yet one incorrect valuation—or relying on an outdated estimate, tax assessment, or online home value—can create unnecessary tax liability, delays in estate administration, disputes among heirs, or additional scrutiny from taxing authorities.
If you're asking questions such as "Do I need a date of death appraisal?", "Who performs a date of death appraisal?", "How much does a date of death appraisal cost?", or "Will the IRS accept my appraisal?", you're not alone. These are some of the most common questions families, estate attorneys, accountants, executors, and trustees ask.
A Date of Death (DOD) Appraisal, also referred to as a retrospective appraisal, determines the fair market value of a property as of the owner's date of death—not today's market value. This valuation is frequently used for federal estate tax filings (including IRS Form 706), inherited property, capital gains calculations, probate matters, estate planning, gift tax matters, and other tax-related purposes.
The Five-Step Date of Death Appraisal Process
Step 1: Determine Whether You Need a Date of Death Appraisal
A date of death appraisal is commonly needed when:
Filing a federal estate tax return (IRS Form 706)
Determining the stepped-up basis for inherited real estate
Calculating future capital gains taxes after inheritance
Probate or estate administration
Trust administration
Estate settlements among heirs
Gift tax or charitable contribution reporting
Estate planning documentation
Many property owners are surprised to learn that obtaining the appraisal before selling inherited property can help establish an accurate tax basis and potentially reduce future tax complications.
Step 2: Hire a Qualified Real Estate Appraiser
Not every appraiser regularly performs retrospective valuations.
When selecting an appraiser, consider whether they:
Have experience with retrospective (historical) valuations
Understand IRS-related appraisal assignments
Perform independent, unbiased analyses
Research historical market conditions as they existed on the effective date
Prepare reports consistent with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP)
Experience with estate, probate, trust, and tax-related assignments can be especially valuable because these assignments require more than simply estimating today's market value.
Step 3: Gather Property Information
The appraisal process becomes more efficient when the appraiser has access to available documentation, including:
Property address
Date of death
Ownership information
Survey (if available)
Prior appraisal (if available)
Improvements made before or after the valuation date
Legal documents if applicable
Even if you do not have every document, a qualified appraiser can typically advise you regarding what information is necessary.
Step 4: Historical Market Research
Unlike a traditional appraisal, a date of death appraisal requires reconstructing the market as it existed on the historical effective date.
The appraiser researches:
Comparable sales occurring around the date of death
Historical market trends
Local economic conditions
Neighborhood influences
Property characteristics that existed on the effective date
The objective is to determine what a knowledgeable buyer would reasonably have paid for the property on that specific date—not what it is worth today.
Step 5: Receive Your Completed Appraisal Report
After completing the research and analysis, the appraiser prepares a written appraisal report containing the valuation conclusion and supporting analyses.
Depending on the intended use, the report may be used for:
Estate administration
Probate proceedings
Tax planning
Accounting records
Capital gains calculations
Legal matters involving inherited real estate
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a date of death appraisal?
If you inherited real estate, are administering an estate, filing IRS Form 706, establishing a stepped-up basis, or need to document historical market value, a date of death appraisal may be appropriate. Your attorney or CPA can advise you regarding your specific tax filing requirements.
Who performs a date of death appraisal?
A state-licensed or state-certified real estate appraiser who is qualified to perform retrospective appraisal assignments.
What is a retrospective appraisal?
A retrospective appraisal estimates the market value of a property as of a previous date rather than the current date. In estate matters, that previous date is usually the owner's date of death.
What does a date of death appraisal cost?
Fees vary depending on factors such as:
Property type
Property size
Complexity
Location
Historical research required
Delivery timeframe
Every assignment is unique, so obtaining a quote based on the specific property is recommended.
How long does the process take?
Turnaround time depends on property complexity, market data availability, scheduling, and requested delivery date.
Will the IRS accept a restricted appraisal report?
The appropriate report format depends on the intended use and assignment requirements. Many tax-related assignments require a comprehensive appraisal report with sufficient supporting documentation. Your appraiser should discuss the appropriate reporting option based on your needs.
What are the Form 706 appraisal requirements?
Federal estate tax filings often require credible support for the reported value of real estate. Because every estate is different, the appraisal should be prepared for its intended tax-related use and coordinated with your estate attorney or CPA when appropriate.
What should I look for in a date of death appraisal?
Look for an appraiser who:
Has experience with retrospective valuations
Understands estate and probate assignments
Performs independent market research
Uses historical comparable sales
Clearly explains the valuation methodology
Produces a well-supported appraisal report
Choosing an experienced appraiser can help reduce questions later from attorneys, accountants, beneficiaries, or taxing authorities.
Why Choosing the Right Appraiser Matters
A date of death appraisal is much more than assigning a number to a property. It requires reconstructing an entire real estate market as it existed years earlier while applying recognized valuation methodology and credible market evidence.
An unsupported valuation can create unnecessary disputes among heirs, inaccurate tax reporting, delays in estate administration, or additional questions from professionals involved in settling the estate.
Working with an appraiser experienced in retrospective valuations helps provide a credible opinion of value supported by historical market data and recognized appraisal standards.
Need a Date of Death Appraisal?
Whether you're an executor, trustee, estate attorney, CPA, or family member handling inherited real estate, we're here to help.
When you contact us, we'll discuss:
Whether a date of death appraisal is appropriate for your situation
The information needed to begin the assignment
Estimated turnaround time
Transparent pricing based on your property
The appraisal process from start to finish
Call: (404) 692-3878
Email:reivaluations@gmail.com
Early planning often makes the process smoother—especially if a property sale, tax filing deadline, or probate proceeding is approaching. Contact R.E.I Valuations and Advisory today to schedule your consultation and receive a customized quote for your date of death appraisal.
August 2nd 2026 2:23pm
Date of Death Appraisal: The Costly Mistake That Could Delay Your Form 706 or IRS Estate Filing…
When a loved one passes away or real estate is transferred through a gift, one of the first questions families, attorneys, executors, trustees, and beneficiaries ask is:
"Do I need a real estate appraisal?"
The answer depends on why the appraisal is being obtained, who will rely on it, and whether the appraisal will be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Unfortunately, many individuals unknowingly order the wrong type of appraisal report, resulting in unnecessary delays, additional costs, or even the need to obtain a second appraisal altogether.
This guide explains the differences between Form 706 appraisals, Form 709 appraisals, Date of Death (DOD) appraisals, and Restricted Appraisal Reports, so you know exactly what is required—and when a restricted appraisal may or may not be appropriate.
What Is a Date of Death (DOD) Appraisal?
A Date of Death (DOD) appraisal determines the fair market value of real estate as of the decedent's date of death rather than its current market value.
These appraisals are commonly required for:
Probate administration
Estate settlement
Estate tax reporting
Determining a stepped-up tax basis
Trust administration
Beneficiary distributions
Capital gains calculations after inheritance
Rather than reflecting today's market conditions, the appraiser reconstructs the market exactly as it existed on the effective date of the appraisal.
Form 706 Appraisal Requirements
IRS Form 706 is the United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return.
When real estate is included in a taxable estate, the IRS requires support for the reported fair market value.
A properly prepared appraisal helps document:
Fair Market Value
Highest and Best Use
Market conditions as of the date of death
Comparable sales analysis
Appropriate valuation methodology
Compliance with qualified appraisal requirements
An unsupported estimate or automated valuation model (AVM) generally does not provide the level of market support expected for estate tax reporting.
Form 709 Appraisal Requirements
IRS Form 709 reports taxable gifts.
Whenever real estate is transferred as a gift, an appraisal may be necessary to establish the property's fair market value on the transfer date.
Common examples include:
Parents gifting rental property to children
Family farm transfers
Vacation home transfers
LLC ownership interests involving real estate
Transfers into irrevocable trusts
A professionally developed appraisal helps establish the property's value for gift tax reporting and may reduce future valuation disputes.
Will the IRS Accept a Restricted Appraisal Report?
This is one of the most common questions we receive.
The answer is: it depends on the intended use and intended user.
A Restricted Appraisal Report communicates valuation results to a single intended user and contains substantially less reporting detail than an Appraisal Report.
A Restricted Appraisal Report may be appropriate for certain private, internal decision-making assignments where the intended user understands the limited scope of reporting.
However, if an appraisal will be submitted to the IRS, relied upon by multiple parties, used in litigation, or reviewed by attorneys, accountants, beneficiaries, or government agencies, a more comprehensive appraisal report is generally the more appropriate reporting option.
Selecting the proper report format should always be determined during the scope of work discussion before the assignment begins.
Do I Need a Date of Death Appraisal?
You may need a Date of Death appraisal if you are:
Executor of an estate
Personal representative
Estate administrator
Trustee
Probate attorney
CPA preparing estate tax returns
Beneficiary selling inherited property
Family member determining equitable distributions
Establishing stepped-up tax basis for future tax purposes
If you're uncertain, consulting your attorney, CPA, and qualified real estate appraiser before filing tax documents can help avoid unnecessary complications later.
Who Performs a Date of Death Appraisal?
A Date of Death appraisal should be completed by a state-certified real estate appraiser experienced in retrospective valuations, historical market analysis, probate assignments, and IRS-related valuation work.
The appraiser should be capable of reconstructing market conditions as they existed on the effective valuation date rather than relying solely on today's market data.
What Should You Look for in a Date of Death Appraisal?
Not all appraisals are developed for the same intended use.
When selecting an appraiser, consider whether they have experience with:
Retrospective appraisals
Probate valuations
Estate tax assignments
Form 706 reporting
Form 709 reporting
Historical comparable sale research
Qualified appraisal requirements
Fair Market Value analysis
Highest and Best Use analysis
Proper market condition adjustments
USPAP-compliant appraisal development and reporting
The goal is not simply to produce a value opinion—it is to provide a well-supported valuation that can withstand professional scrutiny if questions arise later.
Common Problems Executors and Heirs Face
Estate administration often involves more than simply determining a property's value.
Multiple beneficiaries disagree on value.
A professionally supported appraisal provides an independent opinion that helps reduce disputes among heirs.
The IRS requests additional documentation.
A properly developed appraisal provides market evidence supporting the reported value.
The property is sold years after inheritance.
A retrospective appraisal establishes the value as of the date of death, helping determine a stepped-up tax basis and potential future capital gains.
Attorneys and accountants need reliable documentation.
An appraisal provides independent market support that legal and tax professionals can confidently rely upon.
The estate includes a unique property.
Historic homes, acreage, commercial buildings, investment properties, and mixed-use real estate often require significantly more analysis than automated online estimates can provide.
How REI Valuations & Advisory Helps
At REI Valuations & Advisory, we specialize in retrospective real estate appraisals developed in accordance with USPAP for estate, probate, trust, and tax-related purposes.
Our services include:
Date of Death (DOD) Appraisals
Form 706 Estate Tax Appraisals
Form 709 Gift Tax Appraisals
Probate Appraisals
Trust Valuations
Retrospective Market Value Analyses
Residential Real Estate Appraisals
Commercial Real Estate Appraisals
We routinely work alongside:
Executors
Estate Administrators
Trustees
Probate Attorneys
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Financial Advisors
Beneficiaries
Every assignment begins with a discussion of the intended use, intended users, and reporting requirements to ensure the appraisal report is appropriate for your specific needs.
How much does a Date of Death appraisal cost?
The cost depends on the property's complexity, location, size, historical research required, intended use, and reporting requirements. Commercial properties, acreage, investment properties, and complex estates generally require more analysis than a typical residential assignment.
How long does a Date of Death appraisal take?
Turnaround times vary depending on property complexity, historical data availability, and assignment scope. If you have a probate deadline or tax filing date, it's best to discuss timing before engagement.
Can Zillow or an online estimate be used for Form 706 or Form 709?
Automated valuation models (AVMs) and online estimates generally are not substitutes for a professionally developed appraisal when a supported opinion of market value is required for estate or gift tax reporting.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right appraisal is just as important as choosing the right appraiser.
Whether you're administering an estate, preparing IRS Form 706, reporting a gift on Form 709, establishing a stepped-up tax basis, or determining the historical value of inherited real estate, understanding the intended use of the appraisal can help prevent unnecessary delays, additional costs, and future valuation disputes.
Obtaining the appropriate appraisal from the outset provides greater confidence for executors, beneficiaries, attorneys, accountants, trustees, and taxing authorities alike.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're an executor, administrator, trustee, attorney, CPA, or beneficiary and need a Date of Death appraisal, Form 706 estate tax appraisal, Form 709 gift tax appraisal, or simply want to determine whether a Restricted Appraisal Report is appropriate for your situation, we're here to help.
At REI Valuations & Advisory, every assignment begins with a complimentary consultation to determine the appropriate appraisal type before you invest in a report that may not meet your intended use. Our goal is to help you avoid unnecessary delays, duplicate appraisal costs, and complications during probate or tax reporting.
When you contact us, you'll receive:
A complimentary consultation regarding your appraisal needs.
Guidance on whether your assignment requires a Date of Death appraisal, Form 706, Form 709, or another valuation service.
An explanation of the appraisal process, required documentation, and expected turnaround time.
A transparent fee quote with no obligation.
Because retrospective and IRS-related appraisal assignments require extensive historical market research and careful analysis, our availability is limited to ensure every assignment receives the attention and due diligence it deserves. If you have an upcoming probate deadline, estate settlement, tax filing, or court date, we encourage you to contact us as early as possible.
Call: (404) 692-3878
Email:REIValuations@gmail.com
Whether you're settling an estate, transferring property through a gift, or preparing documentation for federal tax purposes, REI Valuations & Advisory is committed to delivering independent, well-supported, and professionally developed appraisal services you can rely on.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and ensure you obtain the right appraisal the first time.
July 19th 2026 5:14pm
What Makes an Appraiser IRS-Qualified for Estate Tax Filings in Georgia (2026 Guide)
What Makes an Appraiser IRS-Qualified for Estate Tax Filings in Georgia (2026 Guide)
If you’re filing estate taxes in Georgia this year — especially for IRS Form 706 — don’t assume that just any appraiser can provide the report the IRS requires.
In 2026, estate tax enforcement is tightening, and the IRS is closely reviewing home valuations included in estate filings. Using the wrong appraiser can result in a flagged report, a rejected return, or delayed asset distribution.
Below, we break down exactly what makes an appraiser IRS-qualified — and what to look for before you hire someone.
What the IRS Means by “Qualified Appraiser”
According to IRS Publication 561, a qualified appraiser must meet all of the following:
Licensed in the State Where the Property Is Located
→ For Georgia property, your appraiser must hold an active Georgia license.Perform Appraisals Regularly as a Business
→ The appraiser can’t be a casual agent or friend. This must be their professional service.Completed Education in Valuation Methods
→ IRS requires that the appraiser has training in USPAP-compliant techniques and valuation theory.No Conflict of Interest
→ They cannot be related to the estate, the taxpayer, or have any financial interest in the outcome.Not Excluded by Prior IRS Disqualification
→ The appraiser must not have been barred from working on tax-related appraisals by the IRS in the past 3 years.
Steps to Make Sure You Hire an IRS-Qualified Appraiser in Georgia
Step 1: Ask for the Appraiser’s License & Certification
Make sure the appraiser is licensed in Georgia and can show you their active status through the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board.
Step 2: Confirm They Perform Retrospective Appraisals
Estate appraisals for tax filings must reflect the fair market value on the date of death — not the current date. This is called a retrospective appraisal, and not all appraisers offer it.
Step 3: Ask if the Report is USPAP-Compliant
IRS requires that the appraisal meets Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). That includes proper market analysis, adjustments, and a written narrative.
Step 4: Make Sure They Serve the IRS Use Case
Some appraisers only work with banks or real estate agents. You need an appraiser experienced in non-lending, tax-compliant valuation, who understands Form 706 requirements.
Step 5: Get a Timeline in Writing
Most estate filings are deadline-sensitive. Ask for a clear delivery window and make sure they can commit. Rush jobs often lead to errors — and the IRS won’t accept rushed or sloppy work.
What’s Included in a Tax-Compliant Estate Appraisal from REI Valuations
✔ Licensed Georgia Appraiser
✔ Retrospective “date of death” valuation
✔ USPAP-compliant report with narrative and supporting comps
✔ Proper intended use language for IRS filings (Form 706, 1041, etc.)
✔ Clean documentation for your CPA or estate attorney
✔ Flat fee pricing, no hidden charges
✔ Delivered in 5–7 business days
BONUS: Mention this blog and receive a free priority upgrade (3-day turnaround — a $75 value)
We only accept a limited number of estate and IRS-related appraisals per week to maintain turnaround accuracy.
Filing Form 706 in Georgia?
Don’t risk IRS delays, penalties, or rejections by hiring the wrong appraiser.
Secure your IRS-qualified appraisal before our calendar books up.
Request Your Estate Tax Appraisal Now
January 6 2026 5:53pm