Probate courts, estate attorneys, executors, and the IRS require a certified appraisal from a qualified appraiser — not a book value. Desktop appraisal from photos accepted for probate inventory and Form 706. Retrospective and retroactive valuations available. From $149. All 50 states.
ASCAA-CERT-4246
Certified appraiser credential
USPAP Compliant
Prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP 2025–2026
Since 1993
Appraising vehicles for 30+ years
Probate inventory and Form 706 need fair market value as of the date of death, not today's book value. For a collector car, a modified truck, or a vehicle the heirs disagree on, a signed appraisal with comparable sales from that date is the file the attorney and the CPA can use. Desktop reports from photos start at $149. Retrospective values are available. All 50 states.
American Classic Appraisals produces estate vehicle appraisals accepted for probate inventory and Form 706 in all 50 states. Our reports include comparable sales data drawn from the period surrounding the date of death, condition documentation, and a signed appraiser certification — everything your attorney or CPA needs to close the estate.
We specialize in retrospective and retroactive vehicle valuations — establishing fair market value as of the date of death or an alternate valuation date, as required by the IRS and probate courts. Desktop appraisal from photos and documentation is available when the vehicle cannot be physically inspected. Same-day delivery.
We understand that estate work often comes with time pressure and emotional weight. We move quickly, communicate clearly, and deliver a professional document that holds up to scrutiny — so the estate can move forward.
Working with an estate attorney or CPA?
We work directly with estate attorneys, CPAs, and trust administrators. If your attorney needs to discuss the appraisal format, methodology, or timeline before you order, have them call us at (270) 790-7534. We're familiar with the documentation requirements across all 50 states.
Rush turnaround available for court or filing deadlines — call to discuss.
Classic vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, and farm equipment in estates create valuation requirements across multiple legal and financial contexts.
Probate courts require a certified inventory of estate assets including vehicles. Our appraisals are accepted in probate proceedings in all 50 states and provide the documented value the court requires.
The IRS requires a qualified appraisal for collector vehicles reported on Form 706. Our prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP reports meet IRS documentation standards and withstand audit scrutiny.
When multiple heirs are involved, a certified appraisal establishes an objective value that all parties can rely on — reducing disputes and keeping the estate on track.
Trustees have a fiduciary duty to document the value of trust assets. We produce certified appraisals accepted by trust attorneys and financial institutions for trust administration and distribution.
Estate tax and probate require the vehicle's value as of the date of death, not today's market. We produce retrospective appraisals establishing fair market value as of a specific past date — standard practice for estate work.
If the estate donates a vehicle to charity, the IRS requires a qualified appraisal for vehicles valued over $5,000. Our certified reports meet the IRS documentation standard for charitable contribution deductions.
Fill out our online form with year, make, model, VIN, mileage, condition details, and upload up to 12 photos. Note in the comments that this is for estate or probate purposes and provide the date of death if a retrospective value is needed. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Our certified appraisers research comparable sales from auction results, dealer listings, and private sales. For retrospective appraisals, we use historical market data from the relevant date. We document the vehicle's condition, provenance, and market position.
Your signed, prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP appraisal is delivered the same day — a professional document your estate attorney, CPA, or probate court will accept. We're available by phone if your attorney has follow-up questions or needs additional documentation.
Book values provide condition-based ranges for a population of vehicles. They are not a signed report with comparable sales as of the death date. They do not name an intended user, state an effective date, or certify that the value was developed in conformity with a recognized standard. The IRS and probate courts will reject them. What is required is a certified appraisal from a qualified appraiser — a document that establishes fair market value as of the date of death, is prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP, and can be defended if challenged.
Uncontested photo-based inventory reports start at $149. Counsel and IRS matter reports (Form 706, Form 8283) are quoted at the attorney schedule. Submit a desktop / photo appraisal request →
No. NADA and KBB are not enough for a collector car in an estate. They provide condition-based ranges for a population of vehicles — not a signed report with comparable sales as of the death date. The IRS and probate courts require a certified appraisal from a qualified appraiser prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP. A book value printout does not name an intended user, state an effective date, or certify that the value was developed in conformity with a recognized standard. It will be rejected.
Fair market value as of the date of death is the price at which the vehicle would have changed hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller on the date the owner died — neither under compulsion, both with reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. This is the value required for Form 706 estate tax filings and probate inventory. It is not the current market value. We produce retrospective and retroactive valuations establishing this figure using comparable sales drawn from the period surrounding the date of death.
A retrospective or retroactive valuation is an appraisal with an effective date in the past. For estate purposes, the effective date is the date of death — or the alternate valuation date under IRC § 2032 if elected. The appraiser uses comparable sales from the period surrounding that date, not current market data. USPAP explicitly addresses retrospective appraisals. A properly prepared retrospective appraisal is accepted by the IRS and probate courts.
Yes. A desktop appraisal from photos and documentation is accepted for probate inventory and Form 706 in most circumstances. The IRS does not require a physical inspection — it requires a qualified appraisal from a qualified appraiser prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP. The inspection method is stated explicitly in the scope of work section of the report. Desktop appraisal is particularly useful when the vehicle has already been sold, is located out of state, or the estate is on a tight timeline.
USPAP — the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — is the recognized national standard for appraisal practice. "Prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP" means the appraisal was developed and reported following those standards: the scope of work is defined, the effective date is stated, the intended user and intended use are named, the value conclusion is supported by market data, and the appraiser certifies the report. This is what the IRS, probate courts, and estate attorneys look for to confirm the appraisal meets the qualified appraisal standard.
The IRS defines a qualified appraiser as someone with verifiable education and experience in valuing the type of property being appraised, who holds a recognized professional designation, and who is not the taxpayer or a related party. Shawn Owens holds ASCAA-CERT-4246 and has been appraising vehicles since 1993. Every estate appraisal we produce is prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP and meets the IRS qualified appraiser standard for Form 706 estate tax filings.
Yes. Probate courts require a certified vehicle appraisal — not a dealer quote, not a Hagerty valuation guide printout, not a Carfax report. A certified appraisal states a specific effective date (the date of death), names the intended user (the estate, executor, or attorney of record), states the intended use (probate inventory or estate tax filing), identifies the appraiser's qualifications, and is prepared in substantial conformity with USPAP. Documents that do not meet these requirements will be returned.
Same-day delivery in most cases. Estate timelines are often tight — we prioritize estate work and accommodate rush requests. Call (270) 790-7534 if you have a court or IRS filing deadline.
For federal estate tax purposes, the executor may elect to value estate assets as of six months after the date of death (the alternate valuation date under IRC § 2032) rather than the date of death itself, if doing so reduces the estate tax. We produce retrospective appraisals for both the date-of-death value and the alternate valuation date — standard practice for Form 706 filings.
Yes. We appraise all types of vehicles and equipment for estate and probate purposes — classic cars, collector trucks, motorcycles, farm equipment, RVs, and boats. Any vehicle or equipment with significant value that is part of an estate requires a certified appraisal for probate court and IRS purposes.
Uncontested photo-based inventory reports start at $149 per vehicle. Counsel and IRS matter reports — including Form 706 qualified appraisals and Form 8283 charitable donation appraisals — are quoted at the attorney schedule, which reflects the additional documentation, certification language, and intended-user requirements those filings impose. Call (270) 790-7534 or submit the online form to discuss your estate's specific needs.
Not automatically. A photo-based inventory report and a Form 706 qualified appraisal share the same effective date and fair-market-value standard, but they are not interchangeable documents. A Form 706 qualified appraisal must name the estate as the intended user, state the intended use as federal estate tax reporting, and meet the IRS qualified appraisal definition under IRC § 2031 and the Treasury regulations. A limited photo inventory prepared for probate court does not automatically satisfy those requirements. We prepare both types — the scope and fee differ. If your estate requires Form 706 reporting, tell us when you order.
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Total loss & appraisal clause →Verified Google reviews from clients across all 50 states.
C M
Oct 2026
"I needed an appraisal for probate, and the process was fast, easy, and professional! The appraisal satisfied all the requirements necessary and accurately reflected the true value. Responses were very quick, which made navigating the process seamless. I will not hesitate to contact Shawn for any other appraisals I may need. He is reliable, fairly priced, and delivered a professional product as advertised."
Marielys Arroyo Garay
Oct 2026
"I had a wonderful experience with the service provided. The staff was professional, friendly, and attentive throughout the entire process. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled smoothly and that I felt valued as a customer. The communication was excellent, and the attention to detail truly made a difference. It's refreshing to receive such outstanding customer service. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and pleasant experience. I would definitely come back again!"
Eleanor Shimano
Oct 2026
"I was extremely happy with my experience with your company. Shawn Owen's walked me through everything on the phone so I didn't have to do it online myself, which was a huge relief. I will spread the word about your company to all my friends, who also have antique vehicles. Eleanor Shimano"
Our online appraisal form lets you upload the death certificate, vehicle title, prior appraisals, and court documents alongside your vehicle photos — everything Shawn needs to complete your report arrives together, with no back-and-forth.
Death certificate
Sets the retrospective valuation date
Vehicle title
Confirms ownership and VIN
Prior appraisals or court orders
Provides context for the report
Select "Estate or probate" as your purpose — the document upload field appears automatically.
Order online and receive your certified appraisal the same day. Call us if you need to discuss the estate's specific requirements, date-of-death value, or alternate valuation date.