According to the instructions for Form 8283, Non-cash Charitable Contributions, page 8 of the Dec 2024 version(& to respond to Vinny's comment), "You must include with your return a qualified appraisal of any single item of clothing or any household item that is not in good used condition or better for which you are claiming a deduction of more than $500. Attach the appraisal and Section B to your return." The IRS defines who is a qualified appraiser. The appraisal also becomes a signed part attached to the donor's tax return. It is also not the responsibility of the donee to provide that information. The donee merely provides that the item was received. The courts have also upheld that these deductions are not allowed if the proof of the donation is not received before the due date of the return(including extensions) or the date the return is filed, whichever is earliest.
John Gallen, E.A.
(860)428-6045 CELL
Production Supervisor: Brooks, Ltd. Piano Parts, LLC
Owner: 1040 Pianos(Tax Preparation)
Owner:Vintage Piano Repair(Piano Moving)
Treasurer: Master Piano Technicians
Treasurer:Calvary Baptist Church of Preston, CT
Treasurer:Guilford Smith Memorial Library, South Windham, CT
Institute Director, July 2024 Piano Technicians Guild's Technical Institute
Convention Director, August 2019, Master Piano Technicians
Original Message:
Sent: 3/13/2025 5:16:00 PM
From: Karl Roeder
Subject: RE: Piano Appraisers
Thank you Mr. Bruce. And thank you as well Mr. McCloud. Your timely update to this thread led me to Mr. Bruce's post just as I needed to prepare an evaluation for a client this morning. I downloaded the Generic Piano Appraisal docx and it made for an excellent template which saved me at least an hour versus doing one from scratch. Remarkably useful this PTG thing occasionally.
------------------------------
Karl Roeder
Pompano Beach FL
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-02-2016 09:00
From: Gary Bruce
Subject: Piano Appraisers
A few years ago I put the attached document together using some standard appraisal information as required by the IRS. I haven't run it past an attorney and haven't dealt with any values over about 12K. I'm sure some of you legal types could find some problems with it. I don't charge $500 for this information, but do charge a fee for the time spent. Feel free to use it if it suits you.
Original Message------
Regardless of value, I believe that if you are wanting to donate the piano and use it as a tax write off, or if you want to declare a value for insurance purposes, then the IRS demands that you obtain a value through a certified appraiser, who will also complete and file the necessary documents. This may apply to other situations as well. As I understand it this is a relatively new law in the last maybe five or six years. If you are simply wanting to buy it, or sell it, then the value is completely negotiable.
------------------------------
Geoff Sykes, RPT
Los Angeles CA
Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2016 21:10
From: Willem Blees
Subject: Piano Appraisers
Yes, and only if it's a donation to a non profit. Or if it's involved in an insurance claim. It might even be needed if it's involved in probate or a divorce, but I've never heard of that.
------------------------------
Willem "Wim" Blees, RPT
Mililani, HI 96789
Original Message:
Sent: 10-01-2016 20:50
From: Vincent Chambers
Subject: Piano Appraisers
I am be mistaken - not a CPA - but this discussion should only pertain to appraisals above $5000, right?
------------------------------
Vincent Chambers
Chico CA
530-924-4469
Original Message:
Sent: 09-30-2016 10:12
From: Paul McCloud
Subject: Piano Appraisers
Even though that figure sounds like a lot, when there is a significant amount of money at stake, or the risk of getting an audit, it's prudent to have the proper documentation and certification at hand. Even though we sometimes do appraisals, we must be aware that there is some risk to ourselves if we make declarative statements in regards to the value of the instrument we are evaluating. Sometimes we are asked to inflate the value so that the owner can deduct more on their taxes. If we say, "This piano is worth such and such dollars", and they get audited, we may be called to substantiate our statement. A wild guess isn't good enough, and we could be liable for making a false statement. So when insurance companies want an appraisal, or the IRS comes knocking, having the right person making the determination along with proper documentation to go along with it are essential. If someone asks me to give a valuation for their piano, I always ask if it's for legal or insurance purposes or if it's just to know what they could sell it for. If there is any doubt, I always refer it to Russell. I could have gone through the certification process like he did, but I don't buy and sell pianos like he does, and has done for more years than I've been a tech. I don't know what he charges for this service, or what he requires in the way of photos, etc. I'm now curious, and I'll ask him next time I get a chance.
Paul McCloud
San Diego
Yes, I've had correspondence with Rebecca Apodaca: she requires certain information and photos, and her appraisals start at around $500. That, plus your fees to give her the info she needs. I haven't had anyone go that route yet. Linda