What Happens If You Don’t Get a Date of Death Appraisal? Risks Explained
When a property owner passes away, one of the most important steps in estate settlement is determining the property’s value at the time of death. While some executors or heirs may overlook this step or assume it is optional, skipping it can lead to serious financial, legal, and tax-related consequences. A date of death appraisal is not just a formality it is a critical requirement in many estate and tax situations. Without it, you risk inaccurate reporting, disputes among beneficiaries, and even penalties from tax authorities. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain what happens if you don’t obtain a date of death appraisal, the risks involved, and why working with professionals is essential. What Is a Date of Death Appraisal? A date of death appraisal determines the fair market value of a property as of the exact date the owner passed away. This valuation is used for estate settlement, tax reporting, and legal documentation. It is a type of retroactive real estate appraisal, mean...