Insights
Appraisal Guides & Insights
Expert appraisal guidance — what drives value, when you need a USPAP-compliant appraisal, and how the process works.
Latest posts
New York Inventory of Assets: What Form I-1 Actually Requires for Personal Property
New York's Surrogate's Court Inventory of Assets asks for personal property values in broad dollar bands, not itemized figures, and filing it correctly does not require hiring an appraiser. Here's what Form I-1 actually demands, when a band estimate is enough, and when you need a real appraisal to survive an IRS audit or a dispute among heirs.
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Why New York's Estate Tax Cliff Makes Personal Property Valuation So High-Stakes
New York's estate tax cliff can turn a $12,000 valuation difference into a full estate tax bill instead of zero. Here's how the 105% threshold works and why a defensible appraisal of art, jewelry, and collectibles matters more in New York than almost anywhere else.
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Replacement Cost vs Fair Market Value for Insuring Your NYC Apartment Contents
Replacement cost and fair market value answer two different insurance questions: what it costs to buy a comparable item today, and what an item would actually sell for. This guide explains which standard governs your NYC co-op or rental policy, and when scheduling jewelry, art, or furniture calls for one measure over the other.
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What Determines Personal Property Appraisal Cost in NYC: A Fee Breakdown
Personal property appraisal cost in NYC depends on item count, research depth, report format, and intended use, not a fixed price list. This guide breaks down each driver so estate executors, attorneys, and collectors know what to expect before requesting a quote.
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New York Estate Tax and Personal Property: What Counts Toward the Exemption Threshold
New York's estate tax exemption is far lower than the federal exemption, and every category of personal property, from art to furniture to jewelry, rolls into the taxable estate that gets measured against it. Here's what counts, what the 2024-2025 thresholds are, and why the appraised value of tangible assets can decide whether an estate owes tax at all.
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What a Qualified Appraisal for an NYC Art or Antiques Donation Must Include
Donating art, antiques, or collectibles to an NYC museum over $5,000 requires a qualified appraisal and IRS Form 8283 Section B, not just a receipt. This guide breaks down the dollar thresholds, signature requirements, and appraisal timing rules that keep your deduction defensible.
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How New York's Surrogate's Court Values Personal Property in an Estate
New York's Surrogate's Court requires executors to report personal property at fair market value as of the date of death, using specific inventory categories and deadlines. This guide walks through the 22 NYCRR 207.20 filing rules, the $50,000 small estate threshold, and when a professional appraisal becomes necessary.
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