Ian Bryzek, CPA
What valuation records does an estate-tax file need?
Estate-tax reporting depends on dated, supportable values—not informal estimates or later sale prices alone.
Different assets need different evidence: residential appraisals, account statements, business valuations, and personal-property inventories each tell a different story.
Separating valuation purpose and effective date keeps federal estate-tax work from being confused with income-tax basis or California property-tax assessment.
What to keep with the file
Separating valuation purpose and effective date keeps federal estate-tax work from being confused with income-tax basis or California property-tax assessment.
What to do next
List every asset beside the valuation method and report that supports it.
What to gather
- Appraisal or valuation report for each major asset class
- Brokerage and bank statements near the valuation date
- Business financials if an interest is reported
- Personal-property inventory with support
- Notes identifying any values still missing
Who usually handles what
- Ian can organize the tax reporting question and the supporting records.
- James Valdez can provide an independent residential fair-market-value appraisal when a supported property value is part of the documentation.
- The executor, trustee, or account custodian supplies records and confirms who has authority to act.
A practical next step
List every asset beside the valuation method and report that supports it.
When a property value is part of the picture
When residential real estate needs a supported fair market value as of a relevant date, an independent appraiser may be part of the documentation process. Ian does not determine fair market value.
Related guides
- Step up in basis after death
- Records needed to establish basis
- What records does a cpa need after a death
This is general tax information, not tax or legal advice. Outcomes depend on the documents, ownership, timing, and law that apply to the particular facts.