Why Documenting Your Collection Matters

The website wealthmanagement.com has published an interesting article that discusses why collectors should document their collections: The Importance of Documenting Clients' Art Collections. This is important to do no matter how small your collection. I work with heirs regularly who don't have a clue about the value of art and antiquities they have inherited and they also often get wrong advice when settling their loved-ones' estates. Even if the contents of an estate does not need to be appraised for IRS tax filing, it is always a good idea to get objects assessed so a basis in value can be established as of the person's date of death. That is because if the heirs sell it afterwards, they will have to pay capital gains taxes on the profit. If a basis for value is established as of the death date, then the taxable amount will be lower.