Property Tax Appeals

Michigan Lawyers Assisting Clients Statewide with Tax Matters

Property taxes are a burden shared by almost anyone who owns real property—well, not charitable organizations, but even nonprofits may have to foot a tax bill depending on the specific use of a particular piece of real estate. Property taxes are important to the local economy, as they fund school, local government, libraries, public transportation, community colleges, and provide resources to make a community a more pleasant place to live.

Sometimes, however, a property tax assessor will make an error, whether it relates to uncapping of the value, overvaluing the parcel, or holding the wrong party responsible for the tax bill. To object, the first stop is the local administrative board of review. The board of review conducts brief hearings for property tax appeals limited to review of the assessor’s work. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board will render a decision. If the decision is unfavorable, the next step is to appeal the decision to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

Making an Appeal with the Tax Tribunal

The Tribunal is comprised of two divisions, the Small Claims Division and the Entire Tribunal Division. The Small Claims division will hear appeal in the county which the property is located. This is an informal hearing that does not require formal process, but can have better results with the assistance of legal counsel. The Entire Division Tribunal conducts formal hearings, which almost always require the presence of a Michigan tax attorney. The scope of the review and the tools available for appellant to obtain information is much greater. An appellant has the freedom to choose either route when filing the appeal.

If you believe that you have been assessed with an unreasonably high property tax bill, the Michigan tax attorneys at Neumann Law Group can help you make the best decisions to reduce your tax burden through a property tax appeal. After having a free consultation, we can help you by:

• Understanding the Appeal Process: We will guide you through the entire property tax appeal process, explaining the steps involved, deadlines, and necessary documentation.
• Property Assessment Review: Our lawyers will review the assessment of your property to identify potential errors, inaccuracies, or instances where the property has been overvalued.
• Gathering Evidence: Our legal team can help gather evidence to support your case, including recent sales data of comparable properties, appraisals, and any other relevant information that demonstrates the fair market value of your property.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Our team can utilize our experience in tax matters to provide a cost-benefit analysis, helping you determine whether pursuing a property tax appeal is economically justified based on potential tax savings.
• Preparing the Appeal Petition: Our tax lawyers will prepare a thorough and well-documented appeal petition to present your case effectively. This may include legal arguments, supporting evidence, and a clear explanation of why the property assessment is incorrect.
• Negotiating with Assessors: A full appeal before the Entire Division Tribunal may not be needed. We can negotiate with the assessors or local tax authorities on your behalf, attempting to reach a resolution before the case goes to a formal hearing.
• Representation at Hearings: If a hearing is required, our legal team will represent you before the Michigan Tax Tribunal. This involves presenting your case, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing legal points to support a reduction in your property tax assessment.
• Appealing Unfavorable Decisions: In the event of an unfavorable decision, our attorneys can advise you on whether to appeal the tribunal’s decision to a higher court and guide you through the appellate process.

Retain a Tax Lawyer in Traverse City

Whether you are homeowner trying to overturn an assessment that increases your tax bill by $1,000 a year, or a real estate developer appealing the decision to tax your project as individual parcels rather than a vacant piece of land mid-development, Neumann Law Group has experienced attorneys ready to assist you with property tax appeals. With our assistance, you can be confident that any action you choose to take is the best course to meet you tax needs. We represent clients throughout the state Reach out through our website or call us at 800-585-6386 for a free consultation, and we will provide a honest assessment of your matter.