Sponsored By
Trusts & Estates logo

The Personal Property Appraisal and AppraiserThe Personal Property Appraisal and Appraiser

Different objectives demand different approaches to value.

Alan Breus

February 23, 2018

7 Min Read
Breus318

The success of an appraisal requires a critical understanding of the purpose for which that particular qualified appraisal is needed, whether for donation and estate tax issues, equitable distribution, insurance or liquidation. Choosing the wrong path may result in some very unwelcome outcomes. 

Many practitioners don’t realize that different purposes dictate different appraisal methods: 

• Insurance liability, which uses replacement or retail value, typically generates the highest  value in appraising, often twice that of fair market value (FMV). 

• For estate tax and donation purposes, FMV is a principle favored by the Internal Revenue Service and is a gross value that includes all sales costs and commissions. 

• With divorce and equitable...

Unlock All Access Premium Subscription

Get Trusts & Estates articles, digital editions, and an optional print subscription. Choose your subscription now and dive into expert insights today!

Already Subscribed?

About the Author

Alan Breus

Alan’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The New School, New York City, studies in Appraisal and Analysis at New York University and advanced studies in Life Underwriting and Estate and Financial Planning. Alan’s membership in the Appraiser’s Association of America requires he sustain an expertise in: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising, IRS Legal Guidelines in Valuation, Research methodology in Appraisal and complete familiarity with The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). His professional experience includes the appraisal of, documentary film, rare books and documents,  fine art, life insurance policies and collectibles for universities, hospitals, various non-profits  and estate planning and private accounting professionals. Alan is a sought after speaker and has been a sponsor at many national and regional planned giving conferences.

Alan’s speaking engagements include: The upcoming 2012  Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, The Chesapeake Bay Planned Giving Council, The Greater Bay Area Planned Giving Council, The San Joaquin Planned Giving Council, The Valley Public TV Estate Planning Forum, The Northwestern University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, DePaul University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, Greater Bay Area Conference on Planned Giving,  Greater San Diego Planned Giving Seminar, Partnership for Philanthropic Planning 2011 National Conference,  Chicago Council on Planned Giving, 2011 Masters Seminar

Alan’s sponsorships include: 2008 National Conference on Planned Giving, and 2009 National Conference on Planned Givingand the 2010National Conference on Planned Giving, and the 2012National Conference on Planned Giving, The Bay Area Jewish Community Endowment Fund's 13th Annual Tax and Estate Planning Seminar.

Alan has served on:

Board of Advisors, Business Division, Jewish National Fund, New York City, Board of Advisors – Hillel of Silicon Valley, Board of Advisors, Red Cross, Southwest Area Division