Six Facts about How to Value Assets in a California Estate Administration

How do you value assets in a California estate administration?

After a friend or loved one passes away, you may be appointed executor of the will. Therefore as executor, one duty that needs to be fulfilled is to value assets in the probate estate. Consequently, many people appointed executors of an estate have no prior experience serving in this role. In addition, asset valuation is important because it will determine whether an estate tax return needs to be filed, the amount of any tax that may be due, and attributes income tax basis to the various assets. As a result of these concerns, an experienced California probate attorney can help guide you through this process.

Helpful tips to value assets in California estates:

• The Internal Revenue Code regulations help determine the asset value.
• Some estate asset values are precise, yet others are less precise.
• The value of the asset should equal the fair market value of the asset on the date that the loved one passed away.
• Fair market value is the price at which the asset could sell between a willing buyer and seller.
• The estate can choose to use a different date than the date of death to value assets. This date is six months from the date of death.
• If using a different date, the executor uses this date to value all assets.

Assigning asset values is an important part of the probate process. Therefore If you are the executor or administrator of an estate, it is vital to seek the assistance of an experienced California probate attorney. For helpful information about valuing assets and other duties of an executor, check out our California Probate Litigation Pillar page.  To learn more about how to value assets contact an experienced Riverside probate attorney today. Call the Grossman Law Firm at (888) 443-6590 or reach out to us at our Get Help Now form.