Local Utica assessors sometimes make subjective decisions about market value, cost, depreciation, capitalization rates, and a host of other matters. Misjudgments by assessors with respect to such issues can result in excessive and unlawful taxes. Issues of constitutional law and statutory construction can arise as well.
To decide whether to challenge an assessment, many factors should be considered, including current market value of the property, valuation methods used, and practices used by local assessing authorities. Furthermore, once the decision has been made to appeal, the procedures involved are often technical and complex. The legal requirements for filing an appeal are usually strictly enforced against the taxpayer. Experienced legal counsel in each locality is invaluable in protecting the client’s rights.
Our team consists of members of the prestigious American Property Tax Counsel (APTC), an affiliation of independent law firms focusing on property tax matters in the U.S. and Canada. Each APTC member firm focuses its work on a particular state or jurisdiction. As a result, each member firm has the advantage of being well versed in the often unique and arcane rules and processes of that particular state or locality. Working with the independent law firms affiliated with the APTC, we provide nationwide property tax representation for our clients that allows a one-stop shopping experience by offering them a single contact for all their property tax issues.
Drawing on our vast experience, we offer each client who owns, manages, or pays real or personal property taxes on leased commercial or industrial property a complimentary review of each assessment and a recommendation about whether an appeal is justified. In most cases, contingent fee arrangements are available. In addition to property tax appeals, we also litigate valuation issues for other purposes, such as condemnation actions and bankruptcy proceedings. We also assist our clients in appropriately structuring real estate transactions to achieve tax objectives.
As Utica attorneys, we take seriously our professional responsibility to aggressively advocate our client's position. We have not only the skills to argue legal issues but also factual matters. Most property tax reductions are obtained through the negotiation process. On occasion, however, formal hearings or court action are necessary to achieve the desired result for a client. Our team has achieved several landmark decisions favorably affirming taxpayer rights, including property tax valuation and exemption cases. Our reputation as effective litigators greatly increases our leverage in the negotiation process.
We have successfully represented the owners of some of the largest properties in the nation, including the following types of properties:
We represent the Utica owners of small businesses with the same degree of enthusiasm, skill, and professionalism that we bring to bear for our well-known, large-business clients.
Our Utica Attorneys and Other Professionals
The professionals in our Tax Appeals group have more than 200 years of combined experience in state and local tax matters. Our practice group consists of nine attorneys and three valuation specialists, one of whom was previously responsible for assessments in major taxing jurisdictions and one of whom is the former chairperson of the New York State Tax Commission. Our professionals also include a former Tax Tribunal Judge, a certified appraiser, two CPAs, and attorneys included in The Best Lawyers in America.