RATES FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES
$450. per hour ( 3 hour minimum )
Michael Maloney Fine Art appraisals follow the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and IRS guidelines. Michael maintains a 100% IRS acceptance record and is widely respected for his professionalism within the art community.
Each appraisal includes a photograph of the artwork along with complete details—artist, title, medium, size, signature, provenance, exhibition history, and current fair market value—presented one work per page. The final report functions as a catalog of your collection.
For larger collections, the total cost typically ranges from $200–$250 per artwork after inspection, photography, cataloging, research, and report preparation. Lesser-known artists often require more research than well-documented ones.
For a single artwork, the three-hour minimum applies.
All appraisal services are strictly confidential.
PROCEDURES
The Appraisal Process
1. On-Site Visit
After you approve the appraisal, the appraiser visits your home, office, or storage location to view and photograph the artworks. You’ll provide a brief tour to identify the items to be appraised. The appraiser (or assistant) typically photographs and catalogs 8–10 items per hour.
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All stored artworks must be unwrapped and ready for viewing.
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We are not responsible for re-wrapping artwork.
2. Research and Report Preparation
Back in the office, photographs and catalog details are organized into the appraisal document. Each artwork’s fair market value is determined through comparative data research, including:
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Auction results from the past five years
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Retail market data from galleries that regularly handle the artist’s work
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Major databases such as Artnet, ArtPrice, AskArt, MutualArt, Invaluable, and others
3. Delivery and Payment
Completed appraisals are delivered as a PDF document—easy to print, store, or share with your insurance carrier, accountant, or advisor. A hard copy is available upon request.
Payment can be made easily online via a Square invoice sent with the completed report.
For large collections (over 30 items), a 50% retainer may be required.
DONATION APPRAISAL
Cost Chart
I am required by the IRS to provide three examples of retail sales within the past five years for each donated artwork. This level of documentation makes donation appraisals especially time-consuming. To help make the process more cost-effective for donors, I offer flat rates based on the number of artworks and recipient institutions involved.
Michael Maloney maintains a 100% IRS acceptance record—since 1997, no donation appraisal values have ever been questioned or challenged. He is USPAP-compliant (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) through June 30, 2026.
1 - 3 Items donated to one institution (at one time): $1,200
4 - 6 Items donated to one institution (at one time): $1,800
7 - 12 Items donated to one institution (at one time): $3,000
13 - 20 Items donated to one institution (at one time): $4,500
20 + Contact us
DAMAGED ART CLAIMS
Appraisals for Diminution of Value (Loss of Value) are conducted in collaboration with a licensed art conservator.0
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Conservator’s Inspection
The conservator examines the damaged artwork and provides a written report outlining the condition, cause of damage, and recommended conservation treatment.
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Appraisal Preparation
The appraisal is then prepared based on the conservator’s findings. The report reflects the artwork’s loss in valueresulting from the damage and takes into account the conservator’s recommendations for repair or restoration.
Our valuation is guided by the extent of the damage as documented by the conservator and is fully aligned with their professional assessment.
DO YOU AUTHENTICATE WORKS OF ART?
No.
Art Appraisers are not qualified to authenticate an artist's work.
We will gladly refer you to the recognized authority on any given artist's work, when possible.
EXPERT WITNESS and LITIGATION SUPPORT
Michael Maloney has served as an expert witness in cases involving equitable distribution of property and insurance claims.
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Hourly rate: $500 per hour, plus travel expenses outside the Los Angeles area.
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Full-day rate: $4,000 (minimum of 8 hours) applies for depositions and court appearances.
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Retainer: Required for travel outside Los Angeles and for cases expected to exceed one day of service.
All appraisals are prepared in accordance with IRS guidelines and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Michael Maloney is USPAP-compliant through June 30, 2026.
All appraisal services are strictly confidential.
CONTACT ME
Please call or email with any questions or to schedule a convenient time to begin your appraisal.
MALONEY FINE ART
APPRAISAL SERVICES
310.570.6420
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY