Donation & Charitable Contribution Appraisals

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When donating fine art or antiques to a museum, university, or charitable organization, an accurate and professionally prepared appraisal is essential. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a qualified appraisal for any non-cash charitable contribution valued above specific thresholds, and your ability to claim a tax deduction depends on compliance with these regulations.

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Since 1975, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT – The Beverly Hills Appraisal Company has specialized in preparing IRS-compliant donation and charitable contribution appraisals for collectors, philanthropists, estates, and foundations. He provides precise, well-documented reports accepted by the IRS, museums, and legal advisors throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, and San Diego.

 

Why You Need an Appraisal for Art Donations

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Donating art and antiques can be both an act of generosity and a strategic element of financial and estate planning. However, to receive the full benefit of a charitable tax deduction, the IRS requires that the value of donated artwork be determined by a qualified appraiser.

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Professional donation appraisals ensure:

• IRS compliance for charitable contributions

• Accurate and defendable fair market values

• Proper documentation for Form 8283 and related filings

• Transparent records for donors, accountants, and institutions

• Confidence that your generosity receives appropriate recognition and benefit
   

ARTXPRT’s expertise in charitable appraisals helps clients fulfill their philanthropic goals while meeting every legal and financial standard.

 

What Is a Charitable Contribution Appraisal?

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A charitable contribution appraisal determines the fair market value (FMV) of donated property for tax reporting purposes. Fair market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in the open market, with both having reasonable knowledge of the property and neither under compulsion to act.

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The IRS requires appraisals for:

• Individual donations of $5,000 or more

• Grouped donations where the total value exceeds $5,000

• Any single artwork or object valued above $20,000 (requires photographs and full documentation)
   

Our reports are designed to withstand IRS scrutiny, providing full transparency, clear reasoning, and supporting market data.

 

Who Needs a Donation Appraisal

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• Private collectors donating to museums or universities

• Foundations and estates gifting art as part of legacy planning

• Corporations donating artwork or decorative collections

• Philanthropists seeking tax deductions for charitable gifts

• Attorneys and accountants managing client donations and filings
   

Whether donating a single painting or an entire collection, ARTXPRT ensures every contribution is professionally valued and fully compliant.

 

Our Donation Appraisal Process

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1. Initial Consultation
   We discuss your goals, intended recipient, and timeline to determine the correct appraisal format and valuation standard.
    

2. On-Site Inspection
   A certified appraiser examines each item, verifying authenticity, condition, provenance, and exhibition or publication history.
    

3. Market Research and Comparable Analysis
   We analyze recent auction sales, gallery records, and private transactions to determine fair market value consistent with IRS expectations.
    

4. Report Preparation
   The completed report includes a detailed description of each object, photographs, provenance, exhibition history, and the valuation conclusion supported by market data.
    

5. Form 8283 Documentation
   We provide all necessary appraisal sections required for IRS Form 8283 and coordinate with your accountant or tax preparer if requested.
    

 

Compliance with IRS Requirements

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ARTXPRT appraisals conform to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and meet all criteria outlined in IRS Publication 561 and Treasury Regulation §1.170A-13(c).

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Each report includes:

• Identification and qualifications of the appraiser

• Purpose and intended use of the appraisal

• Description and photographs of each item

• Valuation methodology and comparable sales data

• Certification of independence and USPAP compliance

• A signed statement verifying that the appraiser has no financial interest in the property
   

These standards ensure your appraisal is credible, transparent, and IRS-defensible.

 

How ARTXPRT Supports Philanthropic Giving

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For nearly fifty years, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT has guided collectors, attorneys, and financial professionals through the art donation process. His expertise bridges the gap between passion and compliance, allowing donors to give with confidence.

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We assist with:

• Appraisals for donations to museums, universities, and nonprofits

• IRS Form 8283 preparation and supporting documentation

• Advisory services for charitable trusts and planned giving

• Guidance for fair allocation of multi-item gifts

• Consultations for museums receiving donated collections
   

Our role is to ensure that generosity is supported by accuracy and integrity.

 

Why Choose ARTXPRT

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Experience and Authority
Decades of specialized experience in art and antique appraisal provide the foundation for precise and defensible valuations.

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Unbiased Objectivity
We are independent appraisers and do not buy, sell, or broker art, ensuring that every appraisal remains impartial.

 

Recognized by Institutions and the IRS
Our appraisals are regularly accepted by the IRS, museums, and major financial institutions.

 

Detailed and Transparent Reporting
Every report provides the full market rationale behind each value, supported by verifiable sales data.

 

Confidential and Discreet Service
All appraisals are handled with professional discretion, protecting both client privacy and institutional relationships.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the IRS threshold for requiring an appraisal?
An appraisal is required for non-cash charitable contributions valued at more than $5,000. For items over $20,000, additional photographic documentation must be included.

 

Who can sign Form 8283 for the donor?
The appraiser completes the “Appraiser Declaration” section, while the receiving charity acknowledges the gift on the same form.

 

How long is an appraisal valid for tax purposes?
Generally, the IRS requires that the appraisal be completed within 60 days prior to the date of donation and no later than the due date of the tax return.

 

What is the difference between fair market value and replacement value?
Fair market value reflects the open-market sale price between a willing buyer and seller, while replacement value represents the cost to replace the item for insurance purposes.

 

Can ARTXPRT work directly with my accountant or attorney?
Yes. We frequently collaborate with tax professionals, attorneys, and estate planners to ensure the appraisal aligns with all reporting requirements.

 

Support Your Legacy with Confidence

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Donating fine art and antiques is an act of both generosity and vision. A properly prepared appraisal protects that vision, ensuring your contribution is documented, valued correctly, and recognized in accordance with IRS regulations.

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For nearly fifty years, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT – The Beverly Hills Appraisal Company has been the trusted name in charitable art and antique appraisal services across Southern California.

 

Schedule a Donation Appraisal Consultation

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Whether you’re donating a single artwork or an entire collection, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT provides expert, IRS-compliant appraisals you can trust.

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Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your donation is properly valued and documented for both the recipient institution and your tax return.

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