Two very different tax questions both come down to market value. Homeowners who believe their assessment is higher than what the home could sell for can ask the county for a decline-in-value review or file an appeal, and families who give real estate to a relative need a fair market value for the gift tax return.
Assessment appeals and Prop 8 reviews
California assessments are tied to the January 1 lien date. When the market value on that date falls below the factored base-year value on the tax roll, Proposition 8 allows a temporary reduction. An appraisal developed as of the lien date, using sales that closed around it, gives the assessor or the appeals board the kind of evidence it weighs most heavily. Filing windows and procedures are set by each county, so check the assessor's or clerk's calendar for your deadline.
Gifts of real estate
When a parent deeds a house or a partial interest to a child, the gift is reported at fair market value on the date of the gift. An appraisal documents that value and supports the gift tax return your CPA prepares. If the transfer is a below-market sale rather than an outright gift, the difference between the price and the market value is the gift.
What we do not do
We provide the value; we do not prepare tax returns or give tax advice. Your CPA, enrolled agent or attorney decides how the figure is used.
Report options
These report types are most often used for this purpose. The quote you receive will confirm which one fits your situation.
Requesting this appraisal
Use the request form to share the property address, the purpose and the effective date you need. You will receive a written quote and delivery date by email — usually within one business day — with no obligation until you approve it.