Madison Personal Property Appraisers

CHARITABLE DONATION

Personal Property Appraisal for Charitable Donation

Personal property appraisal services for charitable donation covering IRS Form 8283 qualified appraisals, fair market value, and noncash contribution deductions, prepared in accordance with USPAP. Chicago Personal Property Appraisers values fine art, antiques, jewelry, coins, and full collections donated to charities and nonprofits across the Chicago area.

  • Qualified appraisals for IRS Form 8283
  • Fair market value prepared in accordance with USPAP
  • Chicago-based personal property specialists

DONATION COMPLIANCE

IRS Form 8283 and the Qualified Appraisal Rules for Noncash Donations

When you donate personal property valued at more than $5,000 to a qualified charity, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal to support your noncash charitable contribution deduction. The appraisal is summarized on IRS Form 8283, Section B, which is signed by you, the appraiser, and an authorized official of the receiving organization.

A qualified appraisal must be prepared by a qualified appraiser and dated no earlier than 60 days before the donation and no later than the due date of the return on which the deduction is first claimed. Our reports establish fair market value, the standard the IRS applies to donated property, using comparable sales, market research, and the condition and provenance of each item.

We prepare every report in accordance with USPAP and the IRS requirements set out in Publication 561, Determining the Value of Donated Property, so your filing rests on a defensible, standards-compliant valuation.

What We Appraise for Donation

Chicago Personal Property Appraisers values fine art, antiques, jewelry, coins, and full collections donated to charity

We appraise a wide range of personal property donated to museums, universities, religious organizations, and other nonprofits. Each report documents fair market value for your Form 8283 filing.

  • Fine Art & Paintings

    Oil, acrylic, watercolor, and sculpture donated to museums and institutions, valued at fair market value with comparable-sale documentation.

  • Antiques & Decorative Arts

    Period furniture, textiles, ceramics, and decorative objects appraised for gifts to nonprofits and cultural organizations.

  • Jewelry & Watches

    Diamonds, gemstones, precious metals, and timepieces valued with gemological expertise for charitable contribution deductions.

  • Coins, Currency & Bullion

    Rare coins, numismatic collections, and precious metals evaluated using current market standards for donated property.

  • Firearms & Militaria

    Firearms, military artifacts, and historical items assessed for condition and provenance when gifted to collections and museums.

  • Collections & Estates

    Multi-item personal property collections appraised comprehensively for large charitable gifts and bequests.

Our Process

How We Prepare Your Charitable Donation Appraisal

  1. 01

    Submit Your Donation Details

    Tell us about the items, their condition, and the charity receiving the donation.

  2. 02

    Fair Market Value Analysis

    Our appraiser researches comparable sales and market data to establish fair market value as of the donation date.

  3. 03

    USPAP-Compliant Report & Form 8283

    You receive a qualified appraisal prepared in accordance with USPAP, with the appraiser's signature on Form 8283, Section B.

  4. 04

    Ready to File

    Your report supports your noncash charitable contribution deduction and is ready for your tax return.

Credentials

Our appraisers hold credentials with leading organizations including the ASA, ISA, and AAA

Every charitable donation appraisal is prepared by a credentialed personal property appraiser and meets professional standards for qualified appraisals.

American Society of Appraisers

ASA

International Society of Appraisers

ISA

Appraisers Association of America

AAA

The Appraisal Foundation

USPAP

Common Questions

Charitable Donation Appraisal Questions

When does the IRS require a qualified appraisal for a donation?

A qualified appraisal is required when you claim a deduction for donated personal property valued at more than $5,000. Groups of similar items are combined to determine whether the $5,000 threshold is met, and the appraisal summary is reported on Form 8283, Section B.

What is IRS Form 8283 and who signs it?

Form 8283 is the IRS form used to report noncash charitable contributions. For donations over $5,000, Section B must be signed by the qualified appraiser and by an authorized official of the receiving organization, in addition to you as the donor.

How recent does the appraisal have to be?

A qualified appraisal must be dated no earlier than 60 days before the date of the donation and no later than the due date, including extensions, of the return on which the deduction is first claimed.

What standard of value do you use for donated property?

We appraise donated personal property at fair market value, the standard the IRS applies. Fair market value is the price the property would change hands for between a willing buyer and a willing seller, established through comparable sales and market research.

Do you appraise donated artwork?

Yes. We appraise donated fine art, paintings, and sculpture at fair market value. Donations of art valued at $20,000 or more carry additional IRS documentation requirements, and we prepare our reports to meet them.

How much does a charitable donation appraisal cost?

Every donation appraisal is quoted as a fixed fee before work begins, based on the number and complexity of the items and the depth of analysis required. Turnaround varies by project, and we confirm timing up front, with expedited service available if you are working against a filing deadline.

Ready to value your charitable donation?

Chicago Personal Property Appraisers prepares qualified, USPAP-compliant appraisals for noncash charitable contributions. Tell us what you are donating and we will get started.