Estate & Trust Appraisals

Settling a deceased loved one's estate or managing trust administration requires clear, defensible property valuations. When real property transfers to heirs or beneficiaries, federal IRS guidelines and California probate codes mandate establishing a "Date-of-Death" valuation (retrospective appraisal) to establish the property's tax basis.

A certified estate appraisal is vital because it establishes the **Step-Up in Basis** for capital gains tax calculations. Under federal tax law, when an heir inherits real estate, the property's cost basis resets from its original purchase price to its Fair Market Value on the owner's date of passing. An accurate, IRS-compliant appraisal can save beneficiaries tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital gains taxes when the property is eventually sold.

Working With Estate Planning Attorneys & CPAs

Levi Mateo works directly with estate planning attorneys, probate executors, professional fiduciaries, and CPAs throughout Southern California. Whether the estate requires a valuation as of a recent date or a retrospective date several years prior, our reports conform to all IRS Revenue Procedures and California Probate Code standards.

Complete Independence & Discretion

Estate settlements often involve sensitive family dynamics or multiple heirs with differing interests. As a certified independent appraiser (CA BREA #3008278), Levi Mateo provides completely objective valuation reports that stand up to IRS audits and probate court review. Reports are completed and delivered within 2 business days.