Tax Certiorari And Property Tax Law
When the city assessor overvalues your property, it has implications for your current tax bill, your ongoing tax burden, and selling, insuring or leveraging your property in the future. With our sophisticated legal help, you can contest an unfair or incorrect property tax assessment.
The tax attorneys of represent property owners in certiorari proceedings (real estate tax appeals) in New York City and Long Island. We have helped businesses, developers, landlords and homeowners win significant reductions in property tax assessments.
A Successful Record In Property Tax Certiorari
Our lawyers are well-versed in Article 7 proceedings, aka “tax certiorari.” This is the statutory process for property owners to dispute the assessed market value of their property. Reducing the assessed value results in a reduced tax assessment (or a tax refund or tax credit). In New York City, the annual window to apply for certiorari relief is Jan. 15 through Mar. 1.
We have obtained good results for clients with all types of commercial, multifamily and residential properties:
- Office buildings
- Condominiums and co-ops
- Apartment buildings
- Retail stores and shopping malls
- Bars, restaurants and hotels
- Industrial properties
- Townhomes and houses
You cannot appeal simply because your taxes are high. Under Article 7 we must assert that the assessment is excessive (exceeding realistic market value), unequal (compared to surrounding or similar properties), misclassified (such as non-homestead vs. homestead) or unlawful (exempt or out of jurisdiction). Our attorneys are knowledgeable about the NYC commercial real estate market, the relevant factors in property assessment, and the valuation methods used by city officials. We present a compelling argument to contest the Board of Assessment Review’s determination, including evidence for what the amended (lower) valuation should be. Our firm has prevailed before the New York City Tax Commission and corresponding tax authorities in Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk counties, and in state court appeals.
Has the economic impact of COVID-19 made it a hardship to pay your property taxes? We can explore avenues of relief to reduce or defer your commercial or residential real estate tax obligations under the CARES Act and other remedies.
Exemptions And Other Property Tax Relief
We help real estate developers and commercial property owners take advantage of tax exemptions, tax abatements and tax incentives to reduce their property taxes. Our lawyers are well-versed in the Industrial & Commercial Abatement Program (ICAP) for commercial developments or improvements, Section 421a exemptions for new multifamily housing, Section 420a exemptions for nonprofits, and other abatements. We shepherd your application through the complex administrative system to qualify for the applicable property tax exemptions.
Start The Process Today
Tax certiorari season is short and the details matter when you are challenging your tax assessment. Contact today to arrange a case evaluation with one of our experienced attorneys. Call our Manhattan law office at 212-235-1817 or contact us online.