Why are appraisals important for trusts and estates?

Appraisals provide accurate valuations for estate planning, trust administration, and compliance with legal and tax requirements.

Can ARTXPRT appraisals be used for estate tax reporting?

Yes. Our USPAP-compliant reports meet IRS standards and are accepted for estate and gift tax purposes.

Do you appraise both individual assets and entire estate collections?

Yes. We can provide valuations for single items or comprehensive collections, including fine art, antiques, and collectibles.

Can ARTXPRT assist with estate planning or fiduciary decisions?

Absolutely. Our appraisals offer objective data that support trustees, executors, and estate attorneys in informed decision-making.

Are your appraisals recognized by courts and financial institutions?

Yes. Our professional appraisals are widely accepted by legal, financial, and insurance institutions for estate and trust purposes.

Trusts & Estates

Fine Art & Antique Appraisals for Trusts & Estates

When handling an estate, accuracy, documentation, and professionalism are essential. Whether settling a trust, preparing for estate tax filings, or dividing assets among heirs, you need dependable, IRS-compliant appraisals that stand up to legal and financial review. For nearly five decades, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT – The Beverly Hills Appraisal Company has been Southern California’s trusted source for estate and trust appraisals of fine art, antiques, and high-value personal property.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange County, and San Diego since 1975, ARTXPRT provides independent, objective valuations designed to support executors, trustees, heirs, and fiduciary professionals with absolute clarity and credibility.

Trusted Estate Appraisals Since 1975

ARTXPRT understands that estate settlement can be a complex process involving legal requirements, family expectations, and strict deadlines. Our certified appraisers deliver reports that meet IRS and USPAP standards, ensuring full compliance for estate tax returns, probate documentation, and fiduciary recordkeeping.

We provide fair market value appraisals that reflect what items would sell for under normal market conditions — not inflated or speculative values. Every report includes detailed descriptions, high-resolution photography, and complete market research to ensure transparency and defensibility.

Our estate appraisal services have been trusted by law firms, private banks, family offices, and generations of Southern California families who rely on ARTXPRT for precision and discretion.

When to Request a Trust or Estate Appraisal

You may need a professional estate appraisal for any of the following reasons:

Estate tax filing and IRS compliance
Probate or court-ordered valuation
Trust distribution and fiduciary documentation
Equitable division of property among heirs
Insurance coverage or claims related to inherited assets
Donation or gifting of inherited art or antiques
Estate planning and asset inventory for future trusts

Whether your collection includes fine paintings, sculpture, antique furnishings, or decorative arts, ARTXPRT delivers the reliable documentation required for proper estate administration.

The ARTXPRT Estate Appraisal Process

Our process is designed to make estate valuation seamless, efficient, and fully transparent.

Consultation and Scope Definition
We begin by determining the purpose of the appraisal — whether for probate, taxation, or trust distribution — and outline the assets involved.
On-Site Inspection
A certified appraiser visits the property to document each item, capturing details such as artist, medium, dimensions, condition, and provenance.
Market Analysis
Comparable sales data, recent auction records, and market trends are analyzed to determine accurate fair market value.
Appraisal Report Preparation
A USPAP-compliant appraisal report is prepared, including photographs, detailed item descriptions, and an explanation of valuation methodology.
Delivery and Support
The completed report is delivered digitally or in print. We remain available to answer questions from attorneys, executors, or the IRS if clarification is needed.

This structured process ensures every appraisal withstands scrutiny and provides peace of mind to all parties involved.

Who We Serve

ARTXPRT works closely with a variety of estate professionals and private individuals, including:

Executors and administrators
Trustees and fiduciaries
Estate attorneys and CPAs
Family offices and wealth managers
Beneficiaries and heirs
Private collectors managing succession planning

Each engagement is handled with complete confidentiality and professional integrity.

Why Choose ARTXPRT for Estate Appraisals

Proven Expertise
Since 1975, ARTXPRT has provided authoritative valuations to families, attorneys, and financial professionals throughout Southern California.

IRS and USPAP Compliant
Our reports meet all federal and professional standards required for estate tax, charitable donation, and trust documentation.

Independent and Objective
ARTXPRT does not buy, sell, or broker art, ensuring every valuation is unbiased and conflict-free.

Comprehensive Market Knowledge
We continuously monitor the art and antiques market to reflect current value trends and provide accurate, data-driven results.

Confidential and Professional
We maintain the highest standards of discretion in handling sensitive estate matters and client information.

Common Estate Appraisal Scenarios

Estate Tax Reporting:
Determining fair market value for IRS Form 706 and related estate filings.
Division of Property:
Ensuring equitable distribution among heirs or beneficiaries.
Probate Requirements:
Meeting court-ordered documentation for estate inventory and valuation.
Trust Establishment:
Setting accurate baseline values for newly formed or amended trusts.
Charitable Donations:
Providing substantiated values for artworks or antiques gifted through estates.

Our Appraisal Reports Include

Detailed item descriptions and provenance notes
High-resolution color photography
Comparable sales analysis
Defined purpose and scope of work
Signed statement of value
Certification of USPAP compliance

Each report is designed to satisfy the strictest legal, tax, and fiduciary standards.

Supporting Attorneys, Executors & Fiduciaries

ARTXPRT collaborates seamlessly with estate attorneys, accountants, and executors. We understand the documentation required for IRS submissions, court filings, and client recordkeeping. Our reports help streamline communication between all parties and prevent costly errors or valuation disputes.

By providing clear and defensible values, ARTXPRT protects the interests of both the estate and its beneficiaries.

Contact ARTXPRT – The Beverly Hills Appraisal Company

For over 45 years, Robert Levy of ARTXPRT has been the trusted name in fine art and antique estate appraisals across Southern California. Whether you are an executor, trustee, or attorney, he provides the expertise and documentation necessary for successful estate administration.

Contact ARTXPRT today to schedule a confidential consultation or learn more about our appraisal services for trusts and estates.