IRS Tax write-off

[Willem Blees]

Phil



There was a discussion on this several months back. 



First, the appraised value for a tax write off would be what the piano would sell for in a customer's home, less the cost of any repairs, regulations, etc. To appraise the piano, you would need to know the value of comparable instruments, and you need to know the value of a comparable new piano. If you have done appraisals in the past, then you will now what other M&H pianos are selling for. Larry Fine's book will give?you the value of a new instrument.

Second, as to who is ?"qualified" to give an appraisal, I think we as piano tuners are probably as qualified as anyone. I once mentioned that being an RPT's gives a piano tuner the?credentials to stand up in court. But I got some flack for that, because there are some RPT who do not appraise, while there are non-members and/or Associates who do appraise pianos. But I certainly think a piano technician should be more qualified than an antique dealer, or even a piano salesman. 

When you write the appraisal, putting down technical information, such as the condition of the pin block, strings, action, pedals, etc, is paramount. That is information an antique dealer and most piano salesman are not going to know. 

If you feel qualified to evaluate all of these things, then give an appraisal. If not, find someone in your chapter that is qualified. 



Willem (Wim) Blees, RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
Honolulu, HI
Author of 
The Business of Piano Tuning
available from Potter Press
www.pianotuning.com


-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Ryan <pryan2 at the-beach.net>
To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org>
Sent: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 8:34 am
Subject: IRS Tax write-off


A long-time customer informed me that he is donating his piano (a small M&H grand) to a religious college and asked me to give him an official appraisal that would satisfy the IRS for a tax write-off, or find him an authorized piano specialist who could do this.?
?
What is the rule on this? Can he take the retail value, or wholesale? Who is to say? Is there such a person as an "authorized piano specialist appraiser"? Can I give him an appraisal? Should I??
?
Phil Ryan?
Miami Beach?
?


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