Donating Art: IRS Qualified Appraisal Requirements

When a qualified appraisal is needed

Under IRS rules, a charitable deduction for donated property claimed above $5,000 generally requires a qualified appraisal prepared by a qualified appraiser, and Section B of Form 8283 completed and signed. Your CPA or tax advisor will confirm what applies to your gift.

Who counts as a qualified appraiser

The IRS requires the appraiser to have verifiable education and experience in valuing the type of property, to regularly prepare appraisals for pay, and to be independent of the donor and the receiving organization. Austin Helmuth meets the IRS qualified-appraiser requirements, and his appraisals are USPAP-compliant.

Form 8283 and timing

• The appraisal must be signed and dated within a set window around the date of the gift, so plan it with your CPA before or shortly after the donation.
• The appraiser signs Part IV of Section B of Form 8283, and the receiving organization signs its acknowledgment.
• Higher-value gifts of art can have additional requirements, such as attaching the full appraisal to the return.

Learn more about the donation appraisal service.

Austin Helmuth serves Sarasota, Palm Beach, Naples, Tampa, Miami, Orlando and all of Florida. Request a quote by sending a few photos.

An appraisal is not an authentication service. This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice.