People who collect artwork are often less interested in their collection’s monetary worth than its historical or sentimental value. While collectors may have vastly different motivations and aspirations, the federal government still treats their prized possessions like any other asset: taxable. Estate plans and artwork | California Estate Planning Lawyer

If you collect art and have not yet accounted for your collection in an estate plan, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could surprise your heirs with an unexpected bill. 

Artwork and Estate Planning

Ideally, your estate plan should include your most valued and valuable possessions. For tax purposes, these assets are considered “collectibles.” As defined by the IRS, the term “collectibles” includes:

  • Works of art
  • Jewelry
  • Antiques
  • Designer textiles
  • Rare stamps and coins
  • Exclusive alcoholic beverages

The IRS also reserves the right to categorize “other tangible personal property” as collectible.

Valuing Works of Art

If you have collectibles with an artistic or intrinsic value in excess of $3,000, they may have to be appraised during estate probate. In fact, the IRS may require an appraisal.

For estate taxation purposes, an appraisal must be performed by a qualified appraiser and is someone who:.

  • Is familiar with the market for the collectible(s)
  • Has appraised or worked with similar collectible(s)
  • Has no conflict of interest in making an appraisal (they should not, for instance, be a prospective recipient of the collectible, nor should they be a listed as a beneficiary, heir, or creditor to the estate)

The IRS and Collectible Assets

The federal government is not interested in childhood stamp collections with little appraisable value. However, the IRS does have clear requirements for:

Estates Possessing Collectibles of Artistic or Intrinsic Value in Excess of $3,000

If an estate holds collectibles valued over $3,000, the estate executor must file a return accompanied by a professional appraisal. The executor must also include a self-attested statement that the list of collectibles is exhaustive and the appraiser qualified by an appropriate authority. An appraisal is also required if the aggregate value of the collection is over $10,000.

Estates Possessing Collectibles of Artistic or Intrinsic Value in Excess of $20,000

If an estate holds collectibles that could be valued over $20,000, the executor must file an estate tax return and include with their appraisal information such as the name of the creating artist or artists, the medium of the artwork, its place and origin, a record of any exhibitions, its distinguishing features, physical condition, documented history, age, and a professional-quality photograph.

If an estate has collectibles with a value in excess of $50,000, the estate executor may request a “Statement of Value” from the IRS which assists in substantiating the total value of works of art, including paintings, prints, antique furniture, and antique jewelry.

While Statements of Value are not required in estate filings, they can help determine the value of certain items. However, if a Statement of Value is requested, it must be included with an estate tax return.

How to Account for Artwork in an Estate Plan

If your artwork could be of interest to the IRS, you need to create an estate plan that reduces any potential problems. You might consider:

  • Requesting certificates of authenticity for any financially valuable artworks
  • Keeping records of any purchased or traded collectibles
  • Asking a qualified expert to appraise your value collectible or collection
  • Pre-empting any succession disputes by speaking to your heirs about which collectibles are of greatest emotional value to them

You may also have options to keep your collectibles away from the IRS. You could:

  • Take advantage of annual or lifetime gift exemptions to disburse inheritable collectibles without a tax penalty while you are still alive.
  • Donate the artwork to a charity. Doing so could help you claim significant exemptions on your personal tax returns.
  • Sell the collectibles. If you do not wish to pass on your artwork to another generation, you could sell the assets to present your heirs or a preferred charity with a cash gift.
  • Transfer the artwork to the possession of a trust or limited liability company (LLC), which could disburse the collectibles to your loved ones after your death. Since artwork can be subject to capital gains taxes, you should consult an estate planning attorney to determine which strategy is best for you.

Do You Need to Speak With an Attorney About Estate Planning?

If you need to speak with an experienced estate planning lawyer please contact us online or call us directly at 800.756.5596 to first register for one of our free, informative seminars. Your attendance will qualify you for a special discount for our estate planning services should you decide to make a free appointment at the conclusion of the seminar and choose to proceed with us. We proudly serve clients throughout California with offices in Torrance, Newport Beach, Orange, Woodland Hills and Pasadena.

 

Philip J. Kavesh
Nationally recognized attorney helping clients with customized estate planning guidance for over 40 years.