ESTATE and GIFT TAX

BVA perform valuation services for federal estate and gift tax purposes. Examples of business interests valued for estate and gift tax purposes include the following:

• Closely-held corporations - common and preferred stock
• Restricted stock
• Partnerships and LLC's
• Family limited partnerships (FLP's)
• Large blocks of public stock
• Stock options and other derivatives
• Investments held by Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT's) or other Trusts
• Notes receivable

It is the burden of the tax payer to support the values utilized for estate and gift tax returns.  Values transferred must be at "Fair Market Value" as defined by the Internal Revenue Service.  Our reports render a fair market value opinion that meets all of the IRS standards including Revenue Ruling 59-60.  Our valuation reports are also prepared in accordance with the highest professional standards including the Statement on Standards for Valuation Services promulgated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as promulgated by The Appraisal Foundation.

Through research, continuing education, and by maintaining active roles in the various professional valuation and estate tax organizations, our valuation experts are knowledgable about the most recent applicable tax court cases, legislation, related revenue rulings, and IRS Code sections.  Our professionals possess an in-depth knowledge of all proven and accepted valuation approaches and methodologies.  Our professionals provide objective analysis that is supportable and defendable, based on the latest market data and valuation industry guidelines.

We also utilize and maintain numerous valuation resources, such as industry, market and economic data.  These tools allow us to produce reliable valuation analyses and reports that adhere to the applicable valuation standards and are expected to survive scrutiny.  BVA stays current with the latest developments and emerging estate and gift tax valuation issues through active participation in valuation groups and subscriptions to newsletters and other publications.  We are familiar with the latest estate and gift tax valuation issues such as quantifying discounts for lack of control or discounts for lack of marketability, as well as other relevant estate and gift tax issues.