Appraisal guide
Vehicle appraisals for estates, donations and divorce
When a court, the IRS or the other side’s attorney will look at the number, you need a documented fair market value from an independent appraiser.
Estates
Vehicles in an estate are generally valued at fair market value as of the date of death. That value feeds the estate tax return (IRS Form 706) when one is required, and sets the heirs’ cost basis for a later sale. A written appraisal also helps executors divide or sell vehicles fairly.
Donations
Donating a vehicle worth more than $500 has its own IRS rules, and the deduction often depends on what the charity does with the car. In some cases a qualified appraisal by a qualified appraiser is required (generally for property claimed at more than $5,000). Ask your tax advisor what applies, and hire an appraiser who prepares donation reports.
Divorce and legal disputes
Dividing property means agreeing on what each car is worth. An independent appraisal gives both sides, and the court, a documented number. For lawsuits and arbitration, look for an appraiser who has served as an expert witness.
What these reports should include
- The purpose of the appraisal and the valuation date
- Identification, condition and photographs of the vehicle
- Comparable sales and the method used to reach the value
- The appraiser’s qualifications and signature
Find a estate appraiser
Send one free request and we’ll route it to independent appraisers in your state.
Common questions
Can an appraisal be dated in the past?
Yes. Estate and some legal appraisals are made as of a past date, such as the date of death or the date of separation.
Does the IRS require a specific credential?
IRS rules define who counts as a qualified appraiser based on education and experience. Ask the appraiser how they meet them.
Will the appraiser testify?
Some do. Choose Expert witness & umpire in the search, or say so in your request.
Find an auto appraiser in your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules vary by state and by policy.