On the Tax and Legal update section on ERC’s web site, there is reference to an IRS memorandum that discusses applying penalties to appraisers who knowingly manipulate appraisals to help an individual pay less tax. Examples of appraisals done for tax purposes include estate tax, gift tax, facade easements and charitable contributions.

>the IRS Office of Chief Counsel [note: pdf]
>discussed the possible application of section 6701 of the
>Internal Revenue Code to appraisers. Section 6701 imposes
>a penalty on anyone who aids or participates in the
> preparation of any return or document and has reason
> to believe it will result in the understatement of someone
>else’s tax liability.

What’s wrong with being held accountable for the value estimate? Nothing, except…

…and here’s the caveat, the person requesting the appraisal should be on the hook as well. The tax attorney or accountant is often the person trying to influence the appraiser. My problem with this IRS memo, is that the appraiser is left twisting in the wind.