FAIR Appraisal Guide
What CPAs Need in an Appraisal Report for Tax
Direct answer
CPAs need appraisal reports that are technically grounded but operationally clear: purpose, date, valuation logic, and supporting exhibits must align without ambiguity.
Match the appraiser to the item category.
Confirm the report purpose before pricing.
Compare fee disclosure before outreach.
What CPAs Need in an Appraisal Report for Tax - FAIR online appraisal guide illustration
CPA review priorities
Most CPA feedback targets clarity and consistency, not just valuation conclusions.
Purpose and valuation date consistency across the file. Transparent methodology and comparable logic. Traceable support exhibits and terminology alignment.
Delivery package best practices
Give advisors a package that supports filing workflows with minimal reformatting.
Main report, image appendix, and short summary memo. Version tags and report date metadata. A concise assumptions and limitations section.
Pre-filing quality checks
Run a joint review with advisor stakeholders before final filing steps.
Values and identifiers reconciled across all pages. Context-specific language reviewed by counsel if needed. Final archived package locked for retention.
Common questions
What makes CPA review slow? Inconsistent terminology and missing support references are common causes of delay.Should reports include plain-language summaries? Yes. A concise summary improves cross-functional review speed and reduces follow-up.Can CPAs request report revisions? Yes, and early review is the best way to limit late-stage revisions.