Can Museum Appraiser/Volunteers do Appraisals for their Museum?

Can Museum Appraiser/Volunteers do Appraisals for their Museum?

(by David Maloney) Donees, staff and their relations are prohibited by the IRS from doing appraisals of items being donated to their respective institutions. But what about volunteers such as committee members or members of the BOD? Are they, too, prohibited?

For the most part, IRS Pub 561 is clear as to who may and may not do appraisals for Federal income tax purposes, including non-cash charitable contributions. Those who may are termed “qualified appraisers.” Those who are not are termed “excluded individuals.” 

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