Let’s face it: everyone wants to lower their real estate taxes. However, to successfully reduce property tax, one needs skilled legal representation from a law firm with experience in real property tax grievances and procedures, as well as one familiar with real property tax exemptions. Our team approach involves checking every aspect of a property’s assessment, valuation and exemption to ensure that our clients obtain the largest possible tax savings.
When you work with our law firm, an experienced real property tax attorney guides you through each legal step that may be necessary to review and correct your assessment, including:
- Filing a grievance with the local Board of Assessment Review (BAR): The Tax Certiorari process begins with filing a complaint (also known as a grievance) with the Board of Assessment Review (BAR) on or before the respective municipality’s Grievance Day.
- Commencing an Article 7 Tax Certiorari or Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) proceeding and filing a state lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court: If denied a reduction by the BAR, one must appeal that denial by commencing a certiorari proceeding in New York State Supreme Court (or through the small claims procedure for certain residential real estate).
Examining all possible exemptions: New York State offers multiple exemptions or partial exemptions to real property, which can significantly reduce the tax levied on real property. Our attorneys can assist in identifying the exemptions that might apply to a given property.
Our team has experience in the negotiation, trial and appeal of property tax matters. The firm has represented both high profile commercial clients and individual residents in real estate tax certiorari and exemption matters, as well as municipalities.