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APPRAISAL: Charity Donation
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"It's suggested that when donating real property...(a vehicle)...an appraisal of value accompany your tax return.  If the claimed deduction for an item...of donated property is more than $5,000, then you must get a qualified appraisal made by a qualified appraiser and you must attach an appraisal summary to your tax return"
.....IRS Publication #561

Donating a vehicle to a worthy charity is a noble and civic minded deed.  The IRS recognizes your contribution and allows a tax deduction for the stated value of the donated vehicle.  However, the IRS demands proof of the stated value.  The only acceptable proof is a professional-certified appraisal. automotive appraisal services group® Charity Donation Appraisal Service provides that appraisal.

The aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Service is designed to encompass any vehicle that is recognized by your state's DMV.  If your state's DMV classifies and licenses it, the IRS will allow the vehicle charity donation deduction.  Vehicles owned/operated by individuals or corporations may qualify.

NOTE: automotive appraisal services group® suggests that you always consult with a professional tax consultant for additional advice as to your specific qualifications and potential benefits.

automotive appraisal services group® Charity Donation Appraisal Service utilizes our exclusive copyrighted APPRAISAL INFORMATION REPORT (AIR) to gain all the pertinent information required to successfully perform a certified appraisal.  It was written and approved using the guidelines as established by NAVA - National Association of Vehicle Appraisers and USPAP - Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice meeting all IRS requirements.

Now anyone, anywhere, can take advantage of the aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Service to receive a professional-certified appraisal.  It's no longer necessary to compromise quality to achieve affordability and convenience.

 

   PHASE~I  
CHARITY  DONATION  APPRAISAL SERVICE         

aasg Phase~I Charity Donation Appraisal Service consists of a thorough evaluation of the vehicle's body and frame, all mechanical components, and complete interior appointments.  With the information gained, a current fair market donation value is assigned.  Values are established using a combination of up-to-date book values and current comparable values.

NOTE:  Phase~I Charity Donation Appraisal Service Applies To Most Common Stock Vehicles. Special Interest, Commercial Use, RV's, Non-Stock Vehicles May Require Additional Service Fees.

Elements Of The aasg Phase~I Charity Donation Appraisal Service

  • Thorough Review Of Your Vehicle Via Our Exclusive APPRAISAL INFORMATION REPORT (AIR)
  • Accurate Appraised Value
  • A Minimum Of 3 Reliable Comparable Values
  • Certified IRS Accepted Appraisal
  • All IRS Required Forms
  • Instructions On What You Need To Obtain From The Charity
  • Retention And Safekeeping Of All Documents
  • Copy Of The Appraisal Sent To Your Tax Preparer
  • Toll Free Telephone And/Or E-Mail Assistance
  • PLUS..... Much More

The complete aasg Phase~I Charity Donation Appraisal Service packet is mailed the same day your order is received.  The entire process takes approximately 8-10 business days to complete.  (Same Day Priority-Express Services Is Available.)

Basic Service
   Total Price ..... $ 125.00
          Plus S&H Fee
Priority-Express Service ...
2-3 Business Days
   Total Price ..... $ 230.00
                   Includes S&H Fee And Overnight Delivery
                                Conditions May Apply 

You May Telephone Your aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Request Directly To:

1.800.495.2525
Monday - Friday ... 9:00AM - 5:00PM ... Pacific Time

CHARITY DONATION APPRAISAL PROGRAM  -  FAQs

THE POINT & CLICK FEATURE IS CURRENTLY NOT OPERABLE.....SIMPLY SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE FOR ANSWERS

  1. What Is The Charity Donation Appraisal Service?
  2. How Is The Charity Donation Appraisal Service Used?
  3. When Donating To A Nationally Recognized Charity...Is An Appraisal Necessary?
  4. Will The IRS Accept The Charity's Stated Value...Without An Appraisal?
  5. Why Can't I Simply Submit A Book/Guide Value As Proof?
  6. Can Any Vehicle Be Donated Using Its Value As A Tax Deduction?
  7. When Should The Donated Vehicle Be Appraised?
  8. I've Already Donated A Vehicle...Can It Still Be Appraised?
  9. Will The IRS Accept Your Appraisal?
  10. How Is The Appraised Value Determined?
  11. What Is "Book" Value?
  12. What Is Comparable Or "Comp" Value?
  13. Is The Appraisal Certified?
  14. Is The Appraisal Guaranteed?
  15. Are Photographs Required?
  16. Don't You Need To See The Vehicle...To Appraise It?
  17. Can A Donation Appraisal Be Performed By Sending Information Via The Internet?

#1  What Is The Charity Donation Appraisal Service?

The automotive appraisal services group Charity Donation Appraisal Service is all that's needed to successfully prove to the IRS that a vehicle donated to a recognized charity is worth a specific amount.  The appraisal can then be used for a legitimate tax deduction.  The aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Service is an IRS recognized...accepted...approved vehicle appraisal donation service.

IRS # 50-0586385.  

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#2  How Is The Charity Donation Appraisal Used?

The automotive appraisal services group Charity Donation appraisal is used as a support document to substantiate a claim of a donated vehicle's fair market value.  The IRS requires a professional-certified appraised value be established when donating a vehicle to a legitimate charity.  The aasg appraisal meets that requirement.

It may or may not be necessary to submit the actual appraisal with your income tax documents.  It should be kept to offer proof,  if required.  However, the necessary IRS form, signed by the appraiser, MUST be submitted.

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#3  When Donating To A Nationally Recognized Charity...Is An Appraisal Necessary?

YES!  The IRS requires that any vehicle with a value over $5,000, donated to any charity, must have a certified appraisal performed by a third party, professional-certified appraiser.  All appropriate IRS-required documents must be signed by the appraiser, clearly indicating the appraiser's identifying number.

A professional-certified, up-to-date appraisal is the best proof of your vehicle's true value.  No longer will the IRS simply rely on a charity's statement of value written on their stationary.  Nor will they accept the opinion of the vehicle's owner.  In most cases, the IRS now requires a professional-certified appraisal performed by a recognized vehicle appraisal service.

If the vehicle's estimated value is less than $5,000, an appraisal is not mandatory, but it's highly recemmended.  Just because an appraisal is not required, doesn't mean the IRS will not challenge the value.  They often do.  Donating a vehicle to charity will turn on a "RED LIGHT" that just might trigger an audit.  If the vehicle's value was determined merely by using a book value such a Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guide, Edmunds Used Car Guide or any similar publication,  (which by the way they will not accept), or a value randomly assigned by the receiving charity, the IRS will challenge it.  You will then have to prove your stated value.  Remember; this audit can happen several years after you've donated the vehicle making your task that much harder.  An aasg professional-certified appraisal will successfully demonstrate the vehicle's true value, eliminating any IRS auditor's inquiry.

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#4  Will The IRS Accept The Charity's Stated Value...Without An Appraisal?

In some instances YES...in most NO, and NEVER if the vehicle in question is worth more than $5,000.  The more important question should be...Do You Want To Risk That?  An improperly stated and/or documented value may result in an IRS tax audit.  There are several factors that need to be considered before the IRS will accept a charity's stated value.  Some of which are:

  • The Receiving Charity's Acceptance As A Legitimate Charity
  • A Thorough...In-Depth Description Of The Vehicle
  • The Vehicle's Fair Market Value
  • Geographically Correct Comparable Values
  • Plus...Many More

With the rise in popularity of using a vehicle donation to lower an income tax bill, the IRS will often flag such a return for audit.  It's like turning on a Red Light.  When the vehicle's donation value is established using an aasg professional-certified appraisal, that light is quickly turned off.

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#5  Why Can't I Simply Supply A Book/Guide Value As Proof?

The IRS will not accept a generic guide book for your vehicle's actual fair market value.  The reason is that those publications are guides only.  Your vehicle will most likely be different.  With the rise in popularity of using a vehicle donations to lower income tax bills, the IRS will often flag such a return for audit.  It's like turning on a Red Light.  When the vehicle's donation value is established using a professional-certified appraisal, that light is quickly turned off.

For example, if your vehicle is in perfect condition, it might easily sell for more than the "book/guide" value, due to its low mileage and basic overall condition.  An aasg appraisal will successfully demonstrate that.

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#6  Can Any Vehicle Be Donated Using Its Value As A Tax Deduction?

Most any.  Basically, if your state's DMV issues a title or registration for it, than the IRS will consider it worthy of receiving the vehicle charitable donation.  There are always exceptions to the rule.  Contact your state's DMV to see how they classify the vehicle in question.

For additional information, consult the IRS web-site.  The link is: www.irs.gov

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#7  When Should The Donated Vehicle Be Appraised?

Now!  There's no better time than the present.  Your vehicle has the highest value now, it should be appraised for that value in today's market.  Depending upon the vehicle, its fair market or actual cash value can drop quarterly, semi-annually or annually.  Having the vehicle appraised now will guarantee that you will receive the highest possible value.

The IRS also has strict guidelines as to when the appraisal must be performed in relation to the actual vehicle donation date.

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#8  I've Already Donated A Vehicle...Can It Still Be Appraised?

Yes!  Even though you aren't in possession of it, we can successfully appraise it.  You will need some basic information about it, such as the VIN#...mileage..overall basic condition.  This information will be on the receipt the charity gave you when they picked up or received the vehicle.  Most of the other pertinent information you likely already know.

Our exclusive, copyrighted Appraisal Information Report (AIR) is specifically designed for this purpose.  It will guide you step-by-step in providing all the required information to successfully achieve an accurate appraised value.

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#9  Will The IRS Accept Your Appraisal?

YES!  We meet or exceed all IRS requirements regarding certified appraisals.  We're a fully recognized IRS vehicle appraisal service attaining acceptance number: 50-0586385.  In fact, the IRS has retained aasg to perform appraisals.  Every professional-certified appraisal is accompanied by  the required IRS forms.

The same is true for all individual states that have specific appraiser/appraisal requirements.  If the IRS accepts the appraisal, so too, will the state.

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#10  How Is The Appraisal Value Determined?

All appraisal values are determined by a professional-licensed-certified appraiser, strictly adhering to the guidelines as established by NAVA - National Association of Vehicle Appraisers and business practices within the BBB - Better Business Bureau.

Upon review of your submitted Appraisal Information Report (AIR), the vehicle's exterior, interior and all mechanical components are evaluated to determine its basic quality and soundness.  Next, any aftermarket item, as well as restoration and/or customization work, is considered.  All aspects of the vehicle are taken into consideration when establishing an appraised value.

Depending upon the vehicle, various "value" designation guides are used to establish a base value.  Then, all the specifics of your vehicle are factored in.  Your opinion is also considered.  After all the information is carefully reviewed, the final appraised value is established.

To maintain the highest quality possible, the appraisal is reviewed a second time to insure that a proper, in-depth appraisal was performed rendering the highest possible appraised value to best suit your needs.

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#11  What Is "Book" Value?

Book value is a pre-assigned value of a vehicle by an independent firm involved in the research of vehicles and their respective selling prices.  There are several specific firms providing such information.  These "books" may offer several editions defining specific geographical locations throughout the country.  Which book is utilized to determine your vehicle's book value depends upon your vehicle as well as your location.  The varied "books/guides" available can be of a general practice type or one specific to a type of vehicle.  Similar to the law and medical professions, there are general practitioners as well as those specializing in a specific field.

When performing the aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Service, we use the most applicable "book" for your vehicle, the one that offers the highest values.

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#12  What Is Comparable or "Comp" Value?

Comparable values, often referred to by its slang term "comps" are values of similar vehicles.  If many 1999 Widgetmobiles are selling for $1,000, than the "comp" value of a 1999 Widgetmobile is $1,000.  Once a solid comparable value is established, consideration is then given for your vehicle's particulars that will add or subtract to its final appraised value.  There are many factors that need to be considered in establishing a solid comparable value.  It's more than simply looking in a local newspaper.  It's often quite difficult to establish a comparable value for a custom, specific, or one-of-a-kind type vehicle, but aasg can do it.

IRS requirements state that several comparable values must be considered in establishing any appraised charitable donation value.  Each comparable value must meet industry accepted guidelines in regards to its year-make-model-condition-geographical location-and more.  An aasg certified-professional Charity Donation Appraisal easily satisfies IRS requirements.

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#13  Is The Appraisal Certified?

YES!  Every automotive appraisal services group appraisal meets or exceeds the strict guidelines of certification and professional business practices as outlined by:

  • NAVA - National Association of Vehicle Appraisers
  • BBB - Better Business Bureau
  • ABA - American Bar Association
  • IRS - Internal Revenue Service

Appropriate designations, licenses, and applicable information are stated on the appraisal, announcing its certification and acceptance. 

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#14  Is The Appraisal Guaranteed?

YES!  A 100% money back guarantee accompanies each appraisal. 

(Some Restrictions Apply.....Details Accompany The Written Guarantee.....Consult Additional Information At: TERMS & CONDITIONS - Guarantee)

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#15  Are Photographs Required?

Not necessarily.  They help demonstrate what your words say, but they are not mandatory.  An accurate appraisal can still be performed without them.  Our exclusive copyrighted Appraisal Information Report (AIR) is designed for use with or without photographs.

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#16  Don't You Need To See The Vehicle ... To Appraise It?

NO!  That's a common misconception that is easily refuted.  Our exclusive, copyrighted Appraisal Information Report (AIR) was specifically designed for this purpose.  All that's required is your information.  All appraisal guidelines as established by NAVA - National Association of Vehicle Appraisers -  to guarantee a professional certified appraisal can be met without a physical inspection.  aasg Charity Donation Appraisal Service has passed every test for accuracy and legality, and is readily accepted by the IRS.

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#17  Can A Donation Appraisal Be Performed By Sending Information Via The Internet?

NO!  A vehicle's "ball-park" or "general idea" type value is possible, but a professional-certified appraisal, one that satisfies IRS requirements, is not possible.  There are specific IRS requirements which must be satisfied.  These requirements cannot be met simply by providing a vehicle's information and receiving its value solely over the Internet.  For one thing, signatures from the donor, the charity, and the appraiser must be obtained.  If you need to know a vehicle's true appraised value, such as is the case with a charitable donation, a professional-certified appraisal, consisting of specific information, must be performed.

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September 1999 ... May 2000 ... February 2001 ... June 2002 ... October 2002 ... February 2003 ... July 2004 ... September 2006 ... May 2008
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                                      All Rights Reserved

 

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