Debra -

Given what transpired out here in Southern California several months ago in January with three Federal agencies raiding four area museums over several legal issues one of which were inflated appraisals used for tax advantages (http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/25/local/me-museums25) - I would strongly suggest that you keep the institution totally isolated from the appraisal process. The museum should have absolutely no appearance or participation in appraising objects other than providing referrals to professional appraising organizations where a donor can find professional and competent help in valuing their art and objects.

I know that the staff member wanted to be helpful but that action could get your institution in very real hot water with the IRS as well as being blamed if the donor has issues with the appraiser - stay away!

Simply contact the donor and politely tell them that the staff member was in error and provide them with the contact information for the American Society of Appraisers or other organizations (http://www.appraisers.org/).

And then add a addendum on to your Collections Management Policy ASAP. But in the meantime inform the entire staff that the institution will not be involved in appraisals.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, CA


On Thu, May 29, 2008 at 5:58 PM, Debra Loguda-Summers <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hello,
 
I have a question regarding Museums and appraisals. 
 
I know were are not to give appraisals on donations but, I am having trouble convincing some of the staff that we should not be paying for a donors appraisal and then letting the donor write the amount off on their taxes.  Am I wrong in thinking this???
 
I am stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment because a staff member told the donor we would have the items appraised and let them know.  It isn't the first time it has happened and I need hard facts to back up my thoughts that this is wrong.  HELP
 
You can contact me off line  [log in to unmask]
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