California IRS Form 706 Appraisers

Can AppraiseItNow handle IRS Form 706 appraisals in California?

Yes, AppraiseItNow provides IRS Form 706 estate tax appraisals for California estates. Our certified appraisers are experienced with federal estate tax requirements and the specific considerations that apply to California decedents.

What kinds of assets can be appraised for a California estate tax return?

We appraise a wide range of assets commonly included in California estates, such as vehicles, jewelry, fine art, antiques, collectibles, business interests, machinery, and equipment. Each appraisal is prepared to meet IRS qualified appraisal standards for Form 706 reporting.

Are your IRS Form 706 appraisals USPAP compliant?

Yes, all of our appraisals follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, which the IRS requires for qualified appraisals submitted with Form 706. Our appraisers are credentialed professionals who adhere to these standards on every assignment.

Why would a California resident need an IRS Form 706 appraisal?

California estates that exceed the federal exemption threshold, which is $13,990,000 for deaths in 2025, must file IRS Form 706 and include qualified appraisals for non-cash assets. California's community property laws, high-value estates, and the state's requirement to file Form ET-1 alongside the federal return make accurate, defensible appraisals especially important here.

Can I get an estate appraisal done remotely if I'm in California?

Yes, many of our appraisals can be completed remotely using photographs, documentation, and records you submit online. For certain asset types, an in-person inspection may be recommended, but we work with clients across California without requiring you to visit a physical office.

How is pricing determined for an IRS Form 706 appraisal?

Fees depend on the asset type and scope of the assignment. Visit our pricing page for ranges or contact us.

How long does it take to complete an estate appraisal for Form 706 purposes?

Turnaround times vary by asset type:

• Vehicles: 3 to 5 days
• Personal property and equipment: 7 to 10 days
• Artwork: 5 to 7 days for simple projects, 2 to 3 weeks for complex assignments
• Business valuations: 2 to 4 weeks
• Inventory: 2 to 4 weeks

Who actually prepares the appraisal report?

Your report is prepared by a credentialed appraiser with relevant expertise in the asset category being valued. AppraiseItNow does not use generalists for specialized assets, and every report is reviewed to ensure it meets IRS qualified appraisal requirements before delivery.

Are there California-specific rules that affect IRS Form 706 appraisals?

California requires executors to file Form ET-1 with the State Controller's Office whenever a federal Form 706 is required, even if no state estate tax is owed. California's community property laws also affect how asset values are allocated in the estate, and estates electing special-use valuation under IRC Section 2032A may need to file an Additional Estate Tax Return with the state as well.

What information do I need to provide to get started?

You will need to provide a list of the assets to be appraised, the decedent's date of death, any existing documentation such as purchase records, titles, prior appraisals, or account statements, and contact information for the executor or estate attorney. The more detail you can share upfront, the faster we can scope the engagement.

Will the appraisal be accepted by the IRS for a California estate?

Our appraisals are prepared to meet all IRS requirements for qualified appraisals, including the standards set out in Treasury Regulations and the instructions for IRS Form 706. They are completed by qualified appraisers and include all required disclosures, making them suitable for submission with your federal estate tax return.

How does California's community property law affect what gets reported on IRS Form 706?

Because California treats spouses as equal owners of community assets, only one-half of the fair market value of community property is included in the decedent's gross estate on IRS Form 706. Importantly, the surviving spouse's half also receives a step-up in basis to fair market value at the date of death, even though it is not subject to estate tax.

Does Proposition 13 change how property is valued for IRS Form 706 purposes?

No, Proposition 13's limits on property tax reassessments have no bearing on IRS Form 706 appraisals. The IRS requires valuation at fair market value as of the date of death, defined as the price a willing buyer and seller would agree to, without reference to California's locked-in tax assessment figures.

What are the filing deadlines for IRS Form 706 in California, and can they be extended?

IRS Form 706 is due within nine months of the decedent's date of death, and executors can request a six-month extension using Form 4768. California's Form ET-1 follows the same federal timeline, and many executors file on time even for estates below the exemption threshold in order to preserve portability elections for the surviving spouse.

When does a California estate need to file an Additional Estate Tax Return alongside IRS Form 706?

Qualified heirs must file California's Additional Estate Tax Return whenever IRS Form 706 elects special-use valuation under IRC Section 2032A, such as for a family farm, even if no additional tax is owed. This filing protects against recapture tax liability if the heir disposes of the specially valued property before the required holding period ends.

What penalties apply if asset values are understated on IRS Form 706 for a California estate?

Under IRS Section 6662, a 20% penalty applies when reported property values are 65% or less of the actual fair market value, resulting in a tax underpayment above $5,000. If the understatement is more severe, at 40% or less of actual value, the penalty increases to 40%, making a well-supported, defensible appraisal essential for any California estate filing.