Step-Up Appraisal
When a property is inherited, the IRS allows the cost basis to be stepped up to its fair market value at the date of the original owner's death. A certified appraisal is required to establish that number.
Call Mat directly at (714) 409-6123, or request an appraisal online.
Who Is This For
CPAs and estate attorneys who need a certified appraisal to support a step-up in basis calculation, and heirs who have been advised to get an appraisal before selling an inherited property. The appraisal is a required piece of the tax filing — without it, the IRS has no basis for the stepped-up value.
What a Step-Up Appraisal Is
Under IRC Section 1014, when someone inherits real property, the cost basis is stepped up to the property's fair market value as of the date of the decedent's death. This means the heir is only taxed on appreciation that occurs after they inherit the property — not on decades of gains the original owner accumulated.
The tax savings can be significant. But the stepped-up value has to be documented with a certified appraisal. A rough estimate or a Zillow figure won't hold up with the IRS.
What We Provide
A retroactive appraisal establishing the property's fair market value as of the date of death — the same type as a date of death appraisal, applied specifically to step-up in basis purposes. The report is prepared to IRS standards, clearly documented, and ready to support the tax filing.
The Right Appraiser For This Work
Step-up appraisals require historical market analysis — reconstructing what a property was worth on a specific past date using comparable sales and market data from that period. Mat has appraised Orange County properties since 2002 and holds a California State Certified Residential Appraiser license (BREA License #AR029995). Attorneys and CPAs throughout Orange County refer clients to Just Appraisals Inc. for exactly this type of work.
Turnaround
Normal turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the inspection date.
Need it before a listing appointment or an offer deadline? Rush scheduling and rush reporting are available. Additional fees may apply — ask when you reach out.
Pricing
Residential appraisals: $600–$950 depending on property type and square footage.
Rush service and printed hard copy available as add-ons.
Commercial appraisals quoted on request.
Have questions about the process? See our FAQs here —>
Frequently Asked Questions
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It sets the market value of inherited property as of the date of death, which becomes the new tax basis. Your CPA uses it when the property is sold.
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Single family homes, condos, and residential properties with two to four units. Commercial properties are quoted on request.
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Normal turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the inspection date. Rush service is available at an extra cost, and how quickly we can turn it depends on Mat's schedule those days.
How To Get Started
Fill out the request form and we'll follow up with a confirmation and a quote.
Are You An Attorney or CPA?
There's a page built specifically for professionals who refer clients for appraisals.
Questions Before You Request?
Call us directly at 714-409-6123 and describe your situation.
Normal turnaround is 3 to 5 business days from the inspection date. Rush service available at an extra cost.