Insights
Artwork Appraisal Guides & Insights
Expert guidance on artwork valuation — what drives value, when you need a USPAP-compliant appraisal, and how the process works.
Latest posts
Art Appraisal in San Francisco Probate: How California Law Values an Estate's Art Collection
San Francisco probate courts require executors to inventory and value estate art within four months of appointment, and Probate Code section 8904 lets you request an independent qualified appraiser instead of the probate referee for unique or valuable pieces. This guide walks through the DE-160/DE-161 filing process, the date-of-death fair market value standard, and when a private fine art appraisal protects the estate.
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USPAP Compliance Explained: What Makes a San Francisco Art Appraisal Legally Defensible
A USPAP compliant art appraisal is what stands up to IRS review, probate court scrutiny, and insurer pushback in the Bay Area. Here's exactly what the standard requires inside the report itself, and why it matters for your estate, donation, or claim.
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Where to Donate Art in San Francisco and the Appraisal Rules You Need to Know
Bay Area museums and university galleries do accept donated art, but none of them can appraise your gift for tax purposes. Here's which San Francisco institutions take donations, how to approach each one, and the IRS appraisal thresholds that determine what your deduction requires.
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