Gift tax appraisals for Los Angeles County homes and condos
Giving a home, or a share of one, to a family member is a gift of its fair market value. A gift tax appraisal documents that value as of the date of the gift for the federal gift tax return (Form 709), and a report that meets the IRS's appraisal requirements helps establish the adequate disclosure that starts the limitations period on the gift.
- Effective date
- The date the gift was completed, usually tied to the deed
- Return
- IRS Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return
- Standard
- Fair market value, prepared under USPAP by a state-certified appraiser
- Fees
- $299 Basic Desktop or $449 Standard Desktop
- Delivery
- 3+ business days
What the IRS looks for
Treasury Regulation §301.6501(c)-1(f)(3) describes an appraisal that can satisfy adequate disclosure on a gift tax return: prepared by a qualified appraiser, stating the valuation date and purpose, describing the property, and explaining the method and comparable evidence. Our reports are written with that list in mind; your CPA decides how the report is attached and disclosed.
Gifts of a partial interest
Parents often add a child to title or give a percentage interest in a home. The report values the whole property; any discount for a fractional interest is a separate, specialized analysis that your tax adviser may request from a business valuation professional.
Gifted homes keep the giver's basis
Unlike inherited property, a home received as a gift during the giver's life generally carries over the giver's original tax basis. Families weighing a lifetime gift against an inheritance often compare the two outcomes with their CPA; a current-value appraisal supplies the market side of that comparison.
Questions about gift tax appraisals
What date should the appraisal use?
The date the gift was complete, which for real estate is usually the date the deed was delivered or recorded. Your attorney or CPA can confirm the right date.
Can you value a gift made in a prior year?
Yes. Gift appraisals are frequently retrospective because the return is prepared after the year ends.
Does a sale to a child below market count as a gift?
The difference between the price paid and fair market value is generally treated as a gift. See family sale appraisals for how we document value in those transactions.
Looking for a specific city? Every LA County area page covers local valuation factors.
Reviewed November 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Ready to request an appraisal?
Send the address and the date the value is needed for. We confirm the property and the fee within one business day; the report is delivered in 3+ business days.