Cryptocurrency Appraisal
Cryptocurrency and digital asset appraisal services for IRS Form 8283 filings and non-cash charitable deductions, prepared in accordance with USPAP. Legacy Donation Appraisers values Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, and NFT donations nationwide.
- USPAP-Compliant & IRS-Qualified Appraisals
- IRS Form 8283 included
- Secure a tax deduction for your non-cash charitable donations
DIGITAL ASSETS
Selling Crypto to Fund a Gift Triggers Capital Gains
Selling appreciated cryptocurrency to fund a donation triggers capital gains tax on the increase in value. Donating the coins or tokens directly instead lets a holder support a cause on the full pre-tax value of the position, which is why crypto has become a common asset in charitable giving.
The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, not currency, for tax purposes, and Form 8283 filing rules apply the same way they do to real estate or securities. That means a qualified appraisal is required once the value of a donated digital asset exceeds $5,000, and a broker's own price quote does not satisfy that requirement.
Wallet-to-charity transfers, exchange withdrawals, and NFT gifts each leave a different kind of transaction trail, and our appraisers document that history alongside the fair market value conclusion so your donation avoids the kind of documentation gaps covered in our overview of IRS penalties tied to noncompliant charitable appraisals.
DIGITAL ASSET CATEGORIES
Bitcoin to NFTs: The Digital Assets We Cover
Digital asset appraisals cover a wide range of coins, tokens, and collectibles. Our appraisers match the right valuation method to each category.
- Bitcoin (BTC)
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Stablecoins
- Litecoin, Ripple (XRP), Solana, Cardano
- Other altcoins and utility tokens
- NFTs (non-fungible tokens)
- Digital art and collectibles
- Staking rewards and airdrops
Crypto Donations Move Through a Few Common Paths
Legacy Donation Appraisers appraises digital assets donated directly to nonprofits and through donor-advised structures, documenting fair market value at the exact time of transfer.
Direct Wallet-to-Charity Transfer
Coins or tokens move straight from the donor's wallet to a charity's wallet, with the transaction hash establishing the transfer date.
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)
Many DAF sponsors accept crypto directly and liquidate it after the gift; the appraisal values the holding as of the donation date, not the conversion price.
Private Foundations
Foundations increasingly accept digital assets as part of a diversified charitable giving strategy, subject to the same appraisal and Form 8283 requirements.
APPRAISING DIGITAL ASSETS
Documenting a Wallet's Journey to Fair Market Value
- 01
Wallet & Transaction Documentation
Share wallet addresses, exchange statements, or transfer records showing the holding and the date it left your control.
- 02
Fair Market Value Research
We pull pricing from reputable exchanges at the date and time of the donation, using volume-weighted pricing for less liquid tokens.
- 03
Chain-of-Custody Review
We document the specific transaction history so the reported holding period and transfer date are clearly supported.
- 04
USPAP-Compliant Report
We prepare a written appraisal report stating fair market value and the methodology used to reach it.
- 05
Form 8283 Part IV Completed
Our appraiser signs the Appraiser Declaration in Part IV so your donation is ready to file with Section B.
APPRAISAL STANDARDS
Every Appraisal Follows USPAP Standards
Every cryptocurrency and digital asset appraisal is prepared in accordance with USPAP, the standard published by The Appraisal Foundation.
DIGITAL ASSET QUESTIONS
Cryptocurrency Donation Appraisal Questions
Do I need a qualified appraisal to donate cryptocurrency?
Yes. The IRS treats cryptocurrency as property, and when the fair market value of a donated digital asset exceeds $5,000, a qualified appraisal prepared in accordance with USPAP is required, even though the coin trades on a public exchange.
Can I just use the exchange price as my appraisal?
No. A screenshot of an exchange price or a broker's quote does not satisfy the IRS qualified appraisal requirement. The appraisal has to be prepared and signed by a qualified appraiser under Part IV of Form 8283.
How is fair market value determined for NFTs?
NFTs are valued using comparable sales of similar tokens, the specific collection's trading history, and creator or collection reputation, since there is no single spot price the way there is for major cryptocurrencies.
Are staking rewards or airdrops included in the donation value?
Yes, if they were received before the donation date and are part of the transferred holding. Each reward or airdrop may need its own valuation based on its receipt date and fair market value at that time.
How much does a cryptocurrency donation appraisal cost?
Fees are quoted as a fixed fee before any work begins, never hourly. Scope depends on how many holdings, tokens, or wallets are involved and how complete your transaction records are.
How long does a crypto donation appraisal take?
Turnaround depends on the complexity of the holdings and how many separate assets or transactions are involved. Tell us your deadline and we'll confirm up front whether we can meet it.
Request Your Crypto Appraisal
A transparent, fixed fee, confirmed before we start.