Searching “art appraisal near me” usually means you need an expert opinion you can use—for insurance, an estate, a donation, or a sale. The key is matching the right kind of appraisal (replacement value vs fair market value, etc.) with a qualified appraiser who can document your piece and defend the number with real market evidence.
This guide breaks down how to find a reputable art appraiser (local or online), what to prepare, what a professional report should include, and how auction comparables (comps) actually influence value.
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What “IRS qualified appraiser” means (and what it doesn’t)
When people search “IRS qualified appraiser near me,” they’re usually trying to document a noncash charitable contribution. The IRS uses the terms qualified appraiser and qualified appraisal for donation-related filings—especially when you’re completing Form 8283.
A helpful way to think about it: “qualified” doesn’t mean “famous” or “local.” It means the person can credibly and independently support a fair market value conclusion with the right credentials and a report that follows IRS rules.
Important: This guide is for educational planning—not tax advice. Confirm requirements for your filing year and property type with a tax professional.
- They must be competent for your property type: a jewelry specialist is not automatically qualified to appraise fine art or a watch collection.
- They must be independent: avoid appraisers who also want to buy your item, set the donation value for a fee tied to the number, or have other conflicts.
- They must deliver a qualified appraisal: not a verbal estimate. You need a written report with a defensible methodology and supporting data.
Do you need a qualified appraisal? (Form 8283 thresholds)
Many donations do not require a full qualified appraisal, but the rules change quickly when values cross certain thresholds. If you’re unsure, treat the thresholds as “audit-risk triggers”: the higher the value, the more the IRS expects documentation.
Common waypoints many taxpayers run into:
- Over $500 (noncash): Form 8283 is commonly required.
- Over $5,000 (most property): a qualified appraisal + appraiser signature is commonly required (Form 8283 Section B).
- Art over $20,000: you typically attach the full appraisal to the return.
- Very high-value art: taxpayers sometimes request an IRS Statement of Value (optional but useful for audit-risk management).
There are exceptions and special rules (vehicles, inventory, closely held stock, etc.). The safest approach is to ask the appraiser (and your tax pro) which category you fall into before you donate.
How to find an IRS qualified appraiser near you (or online)
“Near me” can mean in-person inspection—but for many categories a remote workflow is acceptable when photos, measurements, and provenance are complete. The bigger risk is hiring the wrong specialty.
- Use credentialed directories: ASA (American Society of Appraisers), ISA (International Society of Appraisers), and AAA (Appraisers Association of America) are common starting points.
- Match the specialty: jewelry, fine art, decorative arts, watches, collectibles, and vehicles each have different comp markets.
- Confirm they’ll sign Form 8283 (if required): a practical litmus test that they understand qualified appraisal deliverables.
- Ask about scope: on-site vs remote, what they need from you, timeline, and whether you receive a signed PDF report.
- Watch for conflicts: avoid percentage-of-value fees or pressure to sell as part of the “appraisal.”
Questions to ask before you hire (copy/paste)
Use these questions on the first call. They help you identify both competence and whether the appraiser can support IRS donation paperwork.
- Have you completed qualified appraisals for charitable donations for this property type recently?
- Will your report meet the IRS definition of a qualified appraisal and include your qualifications and signed declaration?
- If required, will you sign Form 8283 Section B as the appraiser?
- Is your fee flat or hourly (not a percentage of the appraised value)?
- What is your research method for comparable sales and adjustments (condition, size, attribution, provenance)?
- What effective date will you use (often the date of contribution) and what do you need from me to confirm it?
- What deliverable do I receive (signed PDF, photos, limiting conditions, comps list, and value type statement)?
Online vs. in-person donation appraisals
Remote appraisal can be fast and cost-effective for straightforward items when the documentation is complete. In-person inspection is typically better when condition is complex, the item is fragile, the value is very high, or authenticity depends on close physical inspection.
- Remote often works for: many paintings/prints, hallmarked jewelry, and items with clear photos and paperwork.
- In-person is safer for: heavy restoration questions, uncertain attribution, large collections, or items requiring microscopy/UV examination on-site.
What to prepare for a defensible fair market value (FMV) appraisal
Donation appraisals are smoother (and more defensible) when you provide a complete “evidence packet” up front:
- Clear photos: front/back, details, marks, and any condition issues.
- Measurements and materials: include weight for jewelry/metals and dimensions for art/sculpture.
- Provenance: receipts, prior appraisals, gallery paperwork, auction invoices, estate paperwork, and certificates (if any).
- Donation context: the donee organization, date of contribution, and whether you’re donating a single item or a group.
- Condition notes: restorations, repairs, missing parts, re-plating, polishing, or reframing.
Visual guide: photos and marks appraisers rely on
These examples show the kinds of details appraisers ask for. Even when your appraiser is local, sending this set before an appointment reduces cost and back-and-forth.
How comps support a qualified appraisal (3 examples)
For fair market value, appraisers typically anchor the conclusion with comparable sales and then explain adjustments (condition, size, medium, attribution certainty, provenance). Below are three examples from Appraisily’s internal auction results database showing how comps are cited in practice.
A qualified appraisal should connect each comp to the analysis (why it’s comparable, what’s different, and how that difference is adjusted). If comps are thin, the report should explain why and what alternate market evidence was used.
What a qualified appraisal report should include
A qualified appraisal is a report—not a quote. Even when the appraiser is “near you,” you should expect a signed document that’s clear enough for a third party to understand.
- Purpose and value type: donation/fair market value vs insurance replacement vs estate.
- Full item description: maker/artist, title (if relevant), materials, dimensions, marks, and condition.
- Photos: front/back plus key details.
- Market analysis: comparable sales used, dates, sources, and adjustments.
- Qualifications and declaration: the appraiser’s credentials, scope, and signed certification.
For IRS definitions and requirements, see 26 CFR § 1.170A-17 (Cornell Law).
Typical costs and timelines
Pricing varies by region, complexity, and whether the appraiser needs an on-site inspection. Donation appraisals can cost more when research is extensive (rare items, uncertain attribution, condition issues, or scarce comps). The fastest way to reduce fees is to provide complete photos and paperwork on day one.
Red flags that can increase audit risk
- Percentage-based fees: a conflict of interest.
- No written report: “verbal estimates” are not a qualified appraisal.
- Thin methodology: missing comps, vague sources, or no adjustment reasoning.
- Conflicts or pressure to sell: donation appraisals should be independent and disclosed.
FAQ: IRS qualified appraiser near me
Can the appraiser be remote, or must they be local?
Local is sometimes helpful, but not always required. If the appraiser can competently inspect and document the item (via an in-person visit or complete photos + measurements), the key is the quality and independence of the report.
Do I need USPAP for an IRS donation appraisal?
IRS rules focus on qualified appraisal requirements; many professional appraisers also follow USPAP or similar standards. Ask what standard they follow and ensure the deliverable satisfies IRS rules for your filing.
Can my dealer, gallery, or the charity do the appraisal?
Often no—IRS rules can disqualify appraisers with conflicts or prohibited relationships. Use an independent appraiser who routinely produces qualified appraisals.
When should the appraisal be dated?
Donation appraisals generally need the correct effective date (commonly the date of contribution) and to meet IRS timing rules. Confirm this early so the report is usable when you file.
Search variations people ask
Readers often Google questions like:
- IRS qualified appraiser near me for noncash charitable donation
- how much does a qualified appraisal cost for Form 8283?
- do I need a qualified appraisal for donations over $5,000?
- can an appraiser sign Form 8283 remotely?
- qualified appraisal requirements for donating artwork over $20,000
- what documents do I need for an IRS donation appraisal?
- ASA vs ISA vs AAA appraiser for charitable contribution
- is an auction estimate acceptable for a tax deduction?
Each question is addressed in the guide above—use it as a hiring checklist.
References
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