SAVAGE & BROWNING :: Property Tax Representatives...

Services

Real Estate Appraisal Review

Obtain data from client and taxing authorities. Identify appraisal methods used in assessing properties and audit the results for accuracy.
Aggressively seek and secure refunds for past years tax over-paymetns where inaccurate assessments are identified.
Use the cost, market and income approaches in preparing appeals for presentation to taxing authorities.
Review the assessed value of comparable properties to ensure fair and equal standards.
Use comparable assessments and calculations of cash equivalency values in presentations to taxing authorities.

Personal Property Renditions

Prepare, sign, and file all personal property renditions/returns on a timely basis with the appropriate taxing authorities, and provide client with a copy of all correspondence with taxing authorities. If the rendered value is not accepted, actively pursue the appeals process.
Seek and secure refunds of back tax where inaccuracy is found in past years assessments.

Real Estate and Personal Property Appeals

Arrange for and conduct diligent, informal settlement discussions with taxing authorities.
When advisable, file written protests with tax appraisal review boards for all unsuccessful appeals at the informal leve.
Attend hearings and offer personal presentations of expert testimony before tax appraisal review boards to support lower values.
If appropriate, recommend legal counsel and provide support services for continuing an appeal at the state level.

Administration

Respond to inquiries from taxing authorities.
Provide tax estimates for accrual and budgeting purposes.
On a timely basis, obtain, audit and forward tax bills to client with an approval letter.
Seek and secure corrected tax bills where inaccuracies are discovered.
Upon request, provide client with copies of parcel maps from taxing authorities.
Verify the property tax proration on escrow closing statements for acquisitions or dispositions.
Prepare client reports

A preliminary tax savings report using estimated tax rates.
A final tax savings report using actual tax rates and identifying savings by property.
A tax comparison report on a property-by-property basis including current and prior year's values and taxes.
A narrative report pertaining to research, analysis, and negotiation activity.