ART APPRAISAL GUIDE

THE VALUE OF ARTWORK

Art appraisals can play an important role in tax and estate planning, as well as in protecting one's art investment. Below is a list of professional organizations that specialize in art appraisals. These are membership-based groups with high professional standards and strict qualification requirements. Most also offer valuable information on their websites and maintain directories of qualified members.

We've also included a listing of professional art appraisers organized by the states they serve. Major appraisal organizations require their members to follow a code of ethics and adhere to the "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" (USPAP). In today's uncertain world—where art values can change quickly—keeping current appraisals of your art collection is essential for full protection in case of loss or damage. ART APPRAISERS

Current art appraisals are also valuable for insurance claims, art sales, or equitable distribution—for example, of estate or trust assets. Depending on the intended purpose, appraisals can assess artwork at fair market value (FMV), retail replacement value (RRV), or liquidation value (LV). The Internal Revenue Service requires a formal appraisal for donated property exceeding a certain value.

The American Society of Appraisers is an organization of appraisal professionals and others interested in the appraisal profession. International in structure, it is self-supporting and independent. The oldest and only major appraisal organization representing all of the disciplines of appraisal specialists, the society originated in 1936 and incorporated in 1952. Headquarters near Washington, D.C.

The oldest Non-Profit professional association of personal property appraisers. Recognized authority for setting appraisal standards, legal issues and regulation of the appraisal profession. Certified members provide appraisals for fine and decorative arts, jewelry, and household contents.

The Appraisal Foundation, a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the advancement of professional valuation, was established by the appraisal profession in the United States in 1987.
Since its inception, the Foundation has worked to foster professionalism in appraising.

For more than 50 years, the ADAA Appraisal Service has appraised works of art for tax purposes. The service has been used by collectors and museums to determine the value of important works of art from old master paintings to contemporary art installations. ADAA appraisals have an outstanding acceptance record with the IRS and are known for their professional quality. Unfortunately they discontinued the appraisal services in 2023.

Not-for-profit, member-driven association, formed to support our member needs and serve the public by producing highly qualified and ethical appraisers who are recognized authorities in professional personal property appraising. Our members include many of the country's most respected independent appraisers, consultants, estate liquidators, auctioneers, gallery owners, and dealers.

Where to Find an Art Appraiser

This link takes you to our list of professional art appraisers.
Organized by states where art appraisal professionals are located and or provide appraisals. You can also find art appraisers through the appraiser organizations listed above. Our listings focus on art appraisers to make it easy for you.

If you're an art appraiser and want to be included, look at "How to be Listed" located near the bottom of the page.

Are you interested in researching an artist or looking for current auction prices?
Mutual Art is a great place to start. They also offer the lowest prices for online appraisals.
They are a well respected source of art information online.

Here at Art-Collecting.com, we love art as much as you do. Please mention us to your friends, to galleries you visit, and feel free to share the site via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or other Social Media venues!

Thanks for visiting Art-Collecting.com.