Estate valuation is the process of determining the fair market value of an individual's assets at the time of their death.

In the USA, estate valuation plays a critical role in estate planning, taxation, and legal proceedings. It involves assessing all assets owned by the deceased, including real estate, personal property, investments, retirement accounts, and business interests. Accurate valuation is essential for calculating estate taxes, distributing assets among beneficiaries, and resolving potential disputes.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a detailed and defensible valuation for federal estate tax filings, making compliance and accuracy crucial. Depending on the complexity of the estate, professional appraisers, accountants, and legal experts may be involved in the process. Valuation methods vary based on asset types—real estate may be appraised based on comparable sales, while investments are valued at market rates.

Estate valuation is not only important for legal compliance but also helps ensure fair and equitable distribution of wealth. Executors and estate planners often rely on this process to make informed decisions, reduce tax liabilities, and support smooth asset transfers.