Legacy Donation Appraisers Blog
IRS Qualified Appraiser Requirements: How to Vet an Appraiser Before Filing Form 8283
Not every credentialed appraiser meets the IRS bar for a charitable donation appraisal. Here is exactly what Treas. Reg. 1.170A-17 requires, who is excluded for conflicts of interest, and how to vet a candidate before you file Form 8283.
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Donating Musical Instruments and Pianos: When You Need a Qualified Appraisal
Donating a piano or musical instrument worth more than $5,000 triggers an IRS requirement for a qualified appraisal and Form 8283 Section B reporting. This guide explains the threshold, what actually drives an instrument's value, and why a USPAP-compliant appraisal protects your deduction.
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What Is a Charitable Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) and When Do You Need an Appraisal?
A charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) pays you or another beneficiary a variable income stream for life or up to 20 years, then leaves the remainder to charity. This guide explains the IRC Section 664 payout rules and exactly when funding a CRUT with property triggers a qualified appraisal and IRS Form 8283.
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Sports & Event Ticket Appraisal for Charitable Donation, IRS Form 8283
Donating sports or event tickets to charity can generate a meaningful tax deduction, but the IRS requires a qualified appraisal for donations over $5,000 and strict compliance with Form 8283. This guide covers the exact thresholds, how fair market value is determined, what a compliant appraisal report must contain, and the deadlines you cannot miss.
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Best ItsDeductible Alternatives for Tracking Non-Cash Charitable Donations
Intuit has retired ItsDeductible, leaving donors without their go-to tool for valuing non-cash charitable contributions. This guide covers the best alternatives, from dedicated tracking apps like Deductible Duck and DeductAble to free charity guides and IRS-required qualified appraisals, so you can protect every deduction you claim.
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IRS Promoter Penalties in Charitable Donation Appraisals: IRC 6700, 6701, and 6695A Explained
IRS promoter penalties for charitable donations can fall on appraisers, not just promoters, under IRC sections 6700, 6701, and 6695A. This guide breaks down how each penalty is triggered, how the math works, and what separates a defensible appraisal from a costly one.
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IRS Art Donation Deductions and the Dirty Dozen: What Collectors Need to Know in 2025-2026
The IRS has placed art donation deductions on its 2026 Dirty Dozen list, signaling aggressive enforcement against inflated valuations and promoter-driven schemes. This guide covers the exact thresholds, appraisal requirements, penalty exposure, and what to do if you have a past or planned art donation.
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Charitable Donation Appraisals: The Definitive IRS Form 8283 Guide by Legacy Donation Appraisers
A practical guide to understanding when a qualified appraisal is legally required — and how to protect your deduction
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