IRS-Compliant Date of Death Appraisals in California

Most assignments are completed within 5 to 10 business days after property inspection and receipt of required documentation. Complex properties, large estates, or older retrospective dates may require additional research time. If deadlines are related to estate tax filings or probate proceedings, expedited options may be available depending on scheduling and property complexity.

Typically, we request the property address, the exact date of death, any available estate or trust documentation, i.e. any income producing property requires a rent roll, copies of leases, and expenses as the date of evaluation, and access details. If improvements were made near the date of death, supporting documentation may be helpful. For retrospective assignments, historical property condition details are especially important.

Not every estate requires a formal appraisal. However, when real property is involved and beneficiaries may sell the asset—or when estate tax reporting thresholds are met—a professionally prepared appraisal is strongly recommended. CPAs and estate attorneys often advise obtaining one to document the stepped-up basis for capital gains and avoid future disputes.

The IRS can challenge a valuation if it lacks support, contains errors, or fails to comply with recognized appraisal standards. Reports prepared by qualified appraisers in accordance with USPAP standards and supported by market evidence significantly reduce the likelihood of rejection or dispute.

For federal estate tax purposes, executors may elect an alternate valuation date six months after the date of death under certain conditions. This election must comply with IRS regulations and may affect overall estate tax liability. All the properties need to be valued as the same date, either at the day of death of 6 months later.

We’ve created a detailed date of death appraisal guide explaining the process, IRS requirements, and valuation considerations.