what is required in order to elect to use the alternate valuation date?
In cases like this, IRS Code Section 2032 allows for estates to elect an alternate valuation date if the value of the assets held by the estate decrease in value after the date of death. Availability of the Election. In general, the alternate valuation election is available if the following requirements are met: 1  The estate must be subject to federal estate tax (in 2014, estates greater than $5.34 million are subject to federal tax) 2  The use of the alternate date must reduce the value of the gross estate and the amount of federal estate tax due.