For inherited property in Arlington, basis support starts with a defensible historical value rather than with the later sale price or tax outcome. A distant sale can be relevant when it reflects the same density, utility, and buyer motivation. The appraiser develops the real estate value opinion; the taxpayer and tax professionals determine the applicable basis treatment.
The appraiser's role is to develop a supported fair market value for the applicable historical date. The taxpayer, CPA, attorney, or other adviser determines how that value is used for basis and tax reporting. For Arlington, the appraisal should consider rural southwest acreage only when it changes the subject's competitive position.
For the historical fair market value, a distant sale can be relevant when it reflects the same density, utility, and buyer motivation. For stepped-up-basis support, the question is whether the feature affected fair market value on the applicable historical date.
The appraisal should support the real estate value on the applicable historical date. It does not calculate capital gains, determine the taxpayer's basis election, or replace advice from a CPA or attorney.
Date-of-death information, prior listings, photographs, permits, deeds, and improvement records can help create a durable historical value record. That evidence helps document the real estate value independently of whatever tax treatment is later applied.
A stepped-up-basis appraisal should document the property and market evidence clearly enough that the historical fair market value can be understood later, even if the property is sold or changed afterward.
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