How executors can determine the value – and tax implications – of collectibles in an estate

Executors must put a number on an estate’s value, but when dealing with collectibles, how do they distinguish the treasure from the trash? Kelly Juhasz, appraiser at Toronto-based Fine Art Appraisal and Services, advises executors to contact a qualified appraiser who can provide an estimate of the value of different items based on market evidence. “Executors need to understand what [the deceased] had, and then they can make better decisions about what to do with the objects,” Ms. Juhasz says.

Appraisal fees can range from $150 to $350 an hour, so the cost depends on the time it takes to conduct the evaluation, research and analyze the market, and write the report, she says. Fees aren’t tied to the value of the objects. Niche items, such as a classic vehicle, likely would need an appraiser specific to that field, Ms. Juhasz adds. Heela Donsky Walker, partner at Robins Appleby Barristers and Solicitors in Toronto, says in a best-case scenario, the deceased would have prepared their collectible inventory list in a death binder or another location that’s easy for the executor to find. But if the person died without a will, and other important documentation on collectibles can’t be found, it may be a matter of starting from scratch.

Ms. Donsky Walker advises putting aside items such as artwork, jewellery, stamp or comic collections, watches, sports memorabilia, trading cards and coins to be reviewed by a general appraiser. Some items, such as most china and flatware patterns, have fallen out of favour in recent years. But she notes that other collectibles are gaining ground such as ceramic ware, handbags and clothing from top designers. “Some of these high-value handbags come with certificates; they have particular packaging,” she says.

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