Probate Valuations in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City property preparation
Is the probate inventory enough, or do we need an appraisal?
The inventory records estate property and date-of-death values under Utah Code 75-3-705 for covered representatives. Section 75-3-706 allows appraisal help for a value in reasonable doubt. A Salt Lake County parcel record identifies the subject; it does not decide whether the evidence is enough for this estate or its recipients.
Inventory and appraisal are separate decisions
Utah Code §75-3-705: covered personal representatives prepare an inventory within three months after appointment, stating each item's date-of-death fair market value and any encumbrance. The section excepts special administrators and successors whose predecessor already completed that duty. A copy goes to interested persons who request it; this section permits filing the original with the court. It does not itself require a commissioned appraisal.
Utah Code §75-3-706: the personal representative may employ a qualified, disinterested appraiser for an asset whose value is in reasonable doubt. The appraiser's name and address are identified with the item appraised on the inventory. This is permission to obtain help, not a universal appraisal mandate. Counsel should identify what this estate and its recipients need.
Official Utah Code text checked October 5, 2026. This explanation does not determine legal or tax treatment for an individual matter.
County assessment
Salt Lake County Assessor explains that its residential assessments are for property tax and use January 1 as the effective date. Note the assessment year before comparing it with your requested date.
Limit: That tax purpose and date may differ from the estate, divorce or other decision your report must support.
Recorded property description
The Recorder maintains real-estate documents and subdivision plats and links to an interactive parcel map. Keep the parcel number and available recorded description with your request.
Limit: A map or recorded description does not establish boundary accuracy, current physical condition or title rights. Some record searches or copies require paid access; no purchase is needed to make an inquiry.
Bring or describe
- The parcel number and description for each lot or unit.
- Counsel's instructions about the interest and date.
- The report recipient, deadline and access arrangements.
Public source pages checked . This guide explains records to assemble; no individual property, ownership or valuation was researched.
Discuss this property and purposeDefine the scope
If the inventory instructions and deed describe different interests, identify the difference for counsel and the proposed appraiser. A tax record does not resolve ownership or boundary questions.
Compare the related purposes
If the intended use is a proposed transfer or beneficiary discussion beyond the inventory, read Estate Appraisals to define that separate decision.
If the adviser also needs inherited-property basis documentation, read IRS Step-Up Appraisal Requests and provide the tax-use instructions separately from the inventory.
After you send the inquiry
A reply confirms the property, intended use, effective date and intended users. Fee, scope and delivery date are agreed before work starts. The report goes to the client named in the engagement. An acknowledgement alone does not establish an accepted assignment.
Questions about this request
What should counsel specify for a probate inventory request?
Identify the property interest, effective date, intended use and reporting instructions. The requested purpose alone does not determine whether an appraisal is needed or which documentation will be accepted.
What does the quote need to cover?
The actual property, date, research and inspection scope, report recipients and their written instructions.