http://www.aptcnet.com AmericanPropertyTaxCounselhttp://feedburner.google.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/lo5x_Sjax24/BGordon_WI A recurring challenge to prevent over-assessment of commercial property is to separate true real estate value from business value. True real estate value is assessable for property taxation, while business value is not... More online at www.aptcnet.com/articles.html<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/lo5x_Sjax24" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/BGordon_WI http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/uytZGFcnZu8/NREI_SMandell Flawed cost-based assessments are a common cause of unlawfully high property taxation. Year after year, inflated valuations by government assessors can impose excessive tax bills on a property, notwithstanding annual taxpayer efforts to correct them... More online at www.aptcnet.com/articles.html<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/uytZGFcnZu8" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/NREI_SMandell http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/-G0q0oz26Ys/PGH_Industrial_July2010.pdf PROPERTY TAX SCOREBOARD: PGH industrial scores major Appraisal Review Board victories in June refinery hearings. The value of the Western Refining facility was reduced, by an El Paso ARB, from $377 million to $247 million. In Howard County, the ARB reduced the value of the ALON Big Spring refinery from $216M to $80M. Expert Opinion: Who's On First?... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/-G0q0oz26Ys" height="1" width="1"/> http:aptcnet.com/articles/2010/PGH_Industrial_July2010.pdf http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/L971CYW2W7E/PropertyTaxNH The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration recently published its Tax Year 2009 equalization ratios. These ratios are as of April 1, 2009, which is the assessing date pertaining to tax year 2009. Many communities in New Hampshire now have equalization ratios of more than 100%... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/L971CYW2W7E" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxNH http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ERleOVGtwC0/PropertyTaxID With Idaho's fast-paced tax appeal season now underway, property owners should be aware of the limitations on who may represent them at the State Board of Tax Appeals. (It is unclear whether similar limitations apply at the county boards of equalization)... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ERleOVGtwC0" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxID http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/YPsvaFWgRWs/PropertyTaxNY New York consistently ranks as one of the highest taxed states in the nation, and local property taxes are 79 percent higher than the national average. Boards of Assessment Review face high rates of complaints and increased pressure by the local governing body to control refund liability... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/YPsvaFWgRWs" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxNY http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/MKf1XwFPy7U/PropertyTaxOK Recent flooding significantly damaged many Tennessee properties. Taxpayers should be aware of relief provided under Tennessee law. Tennessee assessors value property in its condition as of January 1st, regardless of its condition during the rest of the year.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/MKf1XwFPy7U" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxOK http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/MKf1XwFPy7U/PropertyTaxOK On June 10, 2010, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed Senate Joint Resolution 61. SRJ61 is a legislative response to the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s ruling in Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, et. al, v. Oklahoma State Board of Equalization, 2009 WL 3103764, --P.3d--, where the Court held that all intangible personal property is subject to ad valorem taxation unless specifically enumerated as exempt under the Oklahoma Constitution... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/MKf1XwFPy7U" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxOK http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dekiwLDxoO8/PropertyTaxIN Some Indiana Counties have begun mailing the March 1, 2010 assessment notices. These notices affect real estate taxes payable in 2011. A significant change from the past is that beginning with the 2010 assessments, and going forward, the valuation date will no longer be January 1st of the prior year... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dekiwLDxoO8" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxIN http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/WRZW54vYwyk/PropertyTaxMI Many states, including Michigan, exempt from property taxes facilities for which the primary purpose is to reduce water and air pollution. In Michigan, pollution control property becomes exempt only after the Michigan State Tax Commission ("STC") issues an exemption certificate... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/WRZW54vYwyk" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxMI http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Gdk-AsPpXTU/PropertyTaxFL In Florida, county property appraisers can reach back as far as three years to assess property which has escaped taxation. These "back assessments" are used to re-capture taxes where the county may have missed new construction or otherwise incorrectly under assessed property... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Gdk-AsPpXTU" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxFL http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/9dV5Cr6vNos/PropertyTaxMN Recent statutory changes enacted by the Minnesota legislature restored assessors' qualifications to testify in Tax Court proceedings. Tax Court rulings had excluded assessor testimony, based upon statutory language construed to limit assessor valuation to the mass assessment process... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/9dV5Cr6vNos" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/PropertyTaxMN http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gq7gTNQz98w/GeorgiaPropertyTax The Georgia governor recently signed into law a bill which changes property tax appeals in several ways. The most significant change is that counties must issue assessment notices to all taxpayers every year. Return deadlines are changed to a uniform date of April 1st and appeal times are standardized to 45 days... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gq7gTNQz98w" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/GeorgiaPropertyTax http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/J4CY7RJP7lc/TexasPropertyTax Taxpayer protests are currently underway throughout Texas with a target completion date of July 26. For taxpayers dissatisfied with the result of the administrative hearing at the appraisal review board (ARB), the only recourse is to file a lawsuit in district court. There are several prerequisites to the filing of a lawsuit. The taxpayer must file a protest and appear and offer evidence at the ARB. In addition, the taxpayer must not agree to a value either implicitly at the ARB hearing or explicitly with a written sign-off agreement... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/J4CY7RJP7lc" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/TexasPropertyTax http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/2L06Dc44Z88/NevadaPropertytax The Nevada Supreme Court recently ruled that the Nevada State Board of Equalization performs a quasi-judicial function when deciding to equalize property valuations and its individual members are afforded absolute immunity from lawsuits based on their performance of this quasi-judicial act. The taxpayers in the case were aggrieved that the State Board refused to equalize their properties. The State Board determined that because the taxpayers had not followed the administrative procedures for equalization, relief it lacked jurisdiction... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/2L06Dc44Z88" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/NevadaPropertytax http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/7QYzMKwQUPE/ck1CPo Whether a distressed property is underwater, held by a lender or somewhere in the bankruptcy process, it is important to be aggressive about lowering holding costs. Other than debt service, a property's largest expense is likely the property tax bill, and the right approach can help to rein in that tax burden. It is never too early to start the process of whittling down a tax assessment. Confer with your tax counsel and visit the county assessor prior to the values being mailed out. Learn all the appeal deadlines... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/7QYzMKwQUPE" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/ck1CPo http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dzN906FIP9k/aBcdeL When it's tax appeal time, taking the right steps can be critical for winning an assessment dispute. Follow these four steps to make the best case. 1. Provide current and accurate property information. Review the assessorrs's property card at least annually and correct any errors. This is also an opportunity to determine if there is reason to dispute the valuation... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dzN906FIP9k" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/aBcdeL http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/qVw8C5JLpdM/d6xjxe It's no secret that commercial real estate sales volume is down. Sales transactions of U.S. commercial real estate valued at $5 million or more totaled 3,336 for all of 2009, down 60% from the previous year, according to Real Capital Analytics (RCA)... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/qVw8C5JLpdM" height="1" width="1"/> http://bit.ly/d6xjxe http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/cP-QhybxXGE/NewsLtr.html California's Proposition 13 continues to play a significant role in the administration of the state's property tax system. Proposition 13 requires real property to be re-valued whenever a property changes ownership or is newly constructed. In order to assist assessors and taxpayers, the California State Board of Equalization is.. www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/cP-QhybxXGE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ca http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/mH0rpgSW7tI/NewsLtr.html In Maine many jurisdictions are in the process of committing their 2009 tax bills. These tax bills have an assessing date of April 1, 2009. The tax bills are usually sent out to the taxpayers within a few weeks of the commitment date... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/mH0rpgSW7tI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#me http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/u3Ov6Buh9x0/NewsLtr.html Most Kentucky counties will be mailing out their 2010 assessment notices in April. Kentucky law requires that a taxpayer be notified in writing of any increase in its real property tax assessment. Taxpayers wishing to challenge their tax assessments must do so during the statutory appeal period, generally the first two weeks of May.... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/u3Ov6Buh9x0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ky http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZKuKRufSgcE/NewsLtr.html Idaho Governor Butch Otter has just published a self-styled "love letter" to Oregon and Washington businesses inviting them to consider the tax advantages of relocating to the Gem State. Governor Otter reports that he and his Department of Commerce started receiving calls after the November election in which Oregon voters approved higher income taxes on both businesses and wealthy individuals... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZKuKRufSgcE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#id http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/KuKfWfq28Mc/NewsLtr.html Many communities in Rhode Island are in the process of revaluing for tax year 2010. The tax year 2010 has a valuation date of December 31, 2009. In most cases the tax bills will be sent out during the summer of 2010... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/KuKfWfq28Mc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ri http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZHloxqbdUTQ/NewsLtr.html In the Matter of Appeal of Amusements of Rochester Inc, COA 09-234, the NC Court of Appeals held that the situs of personal property of the Taxpayer was properly in NC. The carnival equipment in question, while subject to being transported around the mid eastern US for carnivals, was maintained and stored in Pender County, NC for 6 months each year... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZHloxqbdUTQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/enIfK-rFrrg/NewsLtr.html Like many states, the sale price in a recent, arm's length transaction is strong evidence of property value for real estate tax purposes... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/enIfK-rFrrg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#oh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/kGnRh3EWDa0/NewsLtr.html Last fall, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue proposed a substantial overhaul of the state's assessment system, under which all assessment functions for locally assessed property would be transferred from the municipal level to the county level over a five-year period.... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/kGnRh3EWDa0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/uGKdB1AQTM4/NewsLtr.html The recently mailed tax bills may have surprised you. Many taxing districts raised their levy rates, so even taxpayers whose values went down might see their taxes go up... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/uGKdB1AQTM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ICenmgdbKSc/NewsLtr.html The Michigan Department of Treasury recently announced it had filed almost 10,000 property tax classifications for the 2009 tax year. In light of the MBT credit for industrial personal property tax... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ICenmgdbKSc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/5XyBhXOzLAQ/NewsLtr.html Cook County employs a Classification System for the Assessment of properties for real estate tax purposes. Through 2008, the classification scheme required commercial properties to be assessed at 38% of their Fair Cash Value, industrial properties at 36%... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/5XyBhXOzLAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#il http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dVeJPtYlTWc/NewsLtr.html All property owners in New Jersey should be aware of the fact that the deadline for filing tax appeals is April 1, 2010. Any appeal filed after that date will be dismissed... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dVeJPtYlTWc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nj http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/es4Y-J9eg8k/NewsLtr.html Unlike in the past, Notices of New Assessments will not be mailed in most Counties throughout Indiana this year. Although some taxpayers may receive Notices alerting them to changes in the assessed value for their property, it is more likely that any assessment changes will appear on the taxpayer's 2010 tax bill issued this Spring... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/es4Y-J9eg8k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#in http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/8ap0q8PZblQ/NewsLtr.html Oklahoma assessors are currently mailing notices of increased valuation to real property owners. An owner receiving such notice has twenty (20) working days from the date notice was mailed to file a request for informal hearing... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/8ap0q8PZblQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ok http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Dc3VGtYSVQE/NewsLtr.html The Florida Department of Revenue recently approved the adoption of new rules governing the state's Value Adjustment Boards and the process of contesting property tax assessments. The DOR has been working on these rules for a number of years and has sought public input through numerous workshops... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Dc3VGtYSVQE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#fl http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/p952_h9Npt8/NewsLtr.html The ongoing litigation interpreting the charging section of the Ontario Assessment Act as it defines "current value" (market value) continues. At issue is the meaning of "fee simple, if unencumbered" as the basis of establishing that value. It has been alleged by the assessment authority that it is a valuation concept incorporated into the legislation. As taxpayers, we are alleging it as a legal interest defined... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/p952_h9Npt8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#canada http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Nxo3-iKsLzM/NewsLtr.html At the time of publication, the Louisiana Supreme Court had not yet rendered its decision in the interstate natural gas pipeline commerce clause case captioned Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation, et al vs. Louisiana Tax Commission, et al, 2009-0628 (La. App. 1 st Cir. 8/10/09), --- So.3d ----, 2009 WL 2461597... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Nxo3-iKsLzM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#la http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/6SXv6DHNRGo/NewsLtr.html New York City utilizes a sales based method to determine the fair Market value of 1, 2 and 3 family homes, and then assesses them using an equalization ratio of 6% of FMV. This assessment is further limited by a cap on increases of no more than 5% a year or 20% for any five-year period. ... www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/6SXv6DHNRGo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nyc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gcoV0iDDTAQ/NewsLtr.html Minnesota law permits property taxpayers to file a petition challenging value, level of assessment, and other claims by April 30, 2010. The filing deadline is absolute, and if missed, costs the taxpayer a chance to challenge its tax assessment... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gcoV0iDDTAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/meZLuftml3Y/NewsLtr.html Appraisal Districts will mail, during April and May, Notices of Appraised Value which set forth the taxable value of a property. It is important to note that these notices are sent only to the last known address in possession of the District and only if the value increases over last year or a notice is requested in writing.... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/meZLuftml3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tx http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/GfBT2yyZ6Xs/St_Louis_BusinessJournal_JWallach_appointment.pdf Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has named Jerome Wallach to serve on the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/GfBT2yyZ6Xs" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2010/St_Louis_BusinessJournal_JWallach_appointment.pdf http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/kwhZr6Qu-rc/SPaul_FStrickland_Clawbacks_NREIJan2010.htm The race among states and cities to lure new companies and retain existing businesses has been furious, featuring aggressive offerings of significant tax allowances in exchange for promises of jobs and capital investment. But taxpayers must be cautious... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/kwhZr6Qu-rc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2010/SPaul_FStrickland_Clawbacks_NREIJan2010.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/WW34_1PjI3M/JMarcus_NewTaxman_Globest_Jan2010.htm NEW YORK CITY Mayor Bloomber's recent appointment of David Frankel as the new commissioner of finance will result in significant changes at the Department of Finance. Frankel's priority calls for aggressive pursuit of companies and individuals who do not pay the correct amount of taxes or avoid paying taxes altogether... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/WW34_1PjI3M" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2010/JMarcus_NewTaxman_Globest_Jan2010.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/l3VgCbEjKd4/JMarcus_Trouble_in_Assessments2010_RENewYork_Dec09.htm All New York City property will be revalued on Jan. 5, 2010. Although that date is not yet here, rest assured that trouble awaits commercial property owners in this revaluation... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/l3VgCbEjKd4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/JMarcus_Trouble_in_Assessments2010_RENewYork_Dec09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/56gNRClZQxM/JGarippa_New_Appraisal_Principles_RENewJersey_Dec09.htm Over the past 18 months, property values have declined significantly for all asset types in New Jersey. While this resulted in record numbers of property tax appeals, actual transactions between buyers and sellers demonstrating this erosion of value are limited. This can be problematic when dealing with the finite valuation dates demanded by the New Jersey Tax Court... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/56gNRClZQxM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/JGarippa_New_Appraisal_Principles_RENewJersey_Dec09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/h5Jz7CcWktA/CKOneall_Thinking_Outside_NREI_December09.htm Why do taxing authorities recognize intangibles for hospitality properties, but not shopping center properties? The answer may be the way mall intangibles have been char-acterized for tax purposes... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/h5Jz7CcWktA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/CKOneall_Thinking_Outside_NREI_December09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/9fJNf0ayERI/CHyun_Valuation_Low_Income_CMBAJournal_October09.htm There is a joke that made the rounds by email and on various real estate blogs a while ago showing a house through the eyes of five different people: yourself, your buyer, your lender, your appraiser, and your tax assessor... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/9fJNf0ayERI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/CHyun_Valuation_Low_Income_CMBAJournal_October09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/5XyBhXOzLAQ/NewsLtr.html In Illinois, all properties located outside the City of Chicago and Cook County are assessed for real estate tax purposes at exactly 33.33% of their fair "cash" or market value. However, in Chicago and Cook County... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/5XyBhXOzLAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#il http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/kGnRh3EWDa0/NewsLtr.html The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has recently proposed a fundamental change in Wisconsin assessment law, under which assessment functions for locally assessed property would occur at the county level rather than the municipal level... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/kGnRh3EWDa0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ICenmgdbKSc/NewsLtr.html This will be a unique year for Michigan property taxpayers. 2010 will mark the first time since Proposal A was passed in 1994 that taxable values for most properties will decline because the annual cap (multiplier) on taxable value permitted increases for 2010 will be less than one... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ICenmgdbKSc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gcoV0iDDTAQ/NewsLtr.html Minnesota commercial and industrial properties were recently greeted with forecasts for 2010 taxes at higher effective tax rates. For some jurisdictions, this is the second consecutive year of rate increases, after 7 or 8 years of tax rate drops... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gcoV0iDDTAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/3nm_Pe-jJEg/NewsLtr.html Recently a friend of mine mentioned that he never liked Tiger Woods. Since Tiger's popularity, my friend found it more difficult to schedule tee times at his golf club. We have all heard how Tiger Wood's success in golf has spurred on a new generation of golfers.... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/3nm_Pe-jJEg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#co http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/YP2I7Omlfyw/NewsLtr.html As property values fall, owners prepare for increases in real estate tax rates. A summary of what we expect in major Northern Virginia jurisdictions follows:... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/YP2I7Omlfyw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#va http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/u3Ov6Buh9x0/NewsLtr.html A recent circuit court decision has reversed a Department of Revenue policy denying tangible property taxpayers the ability to challenge an audit after the assessment had been paid... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/u3Ov6Buh9x0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ky http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZHloxqbdUTQ/NewsLtr.html The North Carolina Court of Appeals, in a significant taxpayer victory, has just given further instructions to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission ('PTC') as to how personal property valuation appeals should be handled... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZHloxqbdUTQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZKuKRufSgcE/NewsLtr.html County treasurers in Idaho mailed their property tax bills in mid-November, and taxpayers are now facing a December 21 due date for the first half payment. Taxpayers who scrutinize their bills closely will see that some taxing districts increased their levy rates quite significantly... More at www.aptcnet.com<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZKuKRufSgcE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#id http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/bsZDQde01dY/NewsLtr.html In an effort to achieve consistency concerning filing deadline dates for appeals to the County Boards of Equalization, the Missouri legislature may have created more confusion than it abated... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/bsZDQde01dY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mo http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/hK8dAgTyGUg/NewsLtr.html As we warned, 2009 was a critical year for Georgia taxpayers to be proactive in filing returns of fair value. Relatively few taxpayers did, despite pleas and plummeting property values... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/hK8dAgTyGUg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ga http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/LUOXDor1zJg/NewsLtr.html As the new year approaches, Taxpayers should be familiar with key dates throughout 2010 so that appeals and payments will be timely. January 1 Statutory assessment date. Property is valued 'as of' that date... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/LUOXDor1zJg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/uGKdB1AQTM4/NewsLtr.html As a tough 2009 draws to a close, both taxpayers and the Washington Department of Revenue have begun examining items for the 2010 legislative session. One of the areas of focus will be the high burden of proof that Washington places on taxpayers who challenge their property valuations... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/uGKdB1AQTM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/meZLuftml3Y/NewsLtr.html Property owners throughout Texas have received their 2009 tax bills, which are due on January 31, 2010. Although property tax valuations are generally protested before May 31 of the tax year and become final if not protested, relief may still be available... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/meZLuftml3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tx http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/8ap0q8PZblQ/NewsLtr.html On September 29, 2009, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled in Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, et al. v. Oklahoma State Board of Equalization that all intangible personal property is subject to taxation, unless specifically enumerated as exempt under Art. X, § 6A of the Constitution... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/8ap0q8PZblQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ok http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/KuKfWfq28Mc/NewsLtr.html In Rhode Island a taxpayer must file an account with the local assessor by January 31st of each year. That account must sufficiently describe the property both real and personal as of December 31st.... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/KuKfWfq28Mc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ri http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/eCCEwJ3UqFg/NewsLtr.html Most jurisdictions in Massachusetts will be sending out their fiscal year 2010 actual property tax bills by the end of December 2009. The fiscal year 2010 pertains to the period July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/eCCEwJ3UqFg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ma http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/PXIpDp14vCg/NewsLtr.html In New Hampshire most cities and towns have sent out their tax year 2009 tax bills. These bills pertain to an assessing date of April 1, 2009. In New Hampshire real estate must be valued at market value. The State of New Hampshire does not have a personal property tax... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/PXIpDp14vCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/xJDGKWqZlnk/NewsLtr.html The Nevada property tax appeals season is very compressed. Taxpayers unaware of the deadlines can easily miss an opportunity to challenge their property's valuation. Most Nevada counties will be mailing out their 2010-11 tax year notices of value between the middle and end of December 2009... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/xJDGKWqZlnk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nv http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/cP-QhybxXGE/NewsLtr.html Under Proposition 13, which was adopted by California voters in 1978, property tax values are allowed to increase by no more than 2% annually. Next year, for the first time in Prop. 13's history, the annual property tax increase may be... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/cP-QhybxXGE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ca http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dgHpK8tvMa4/Garippa_Globest_TaxMatters_December08.htm With the economy mired in a significant recession affecting a broad range of property values, the beginning of the New Year presents an appropriate time to examine a series of steps that property tax managers should take to effectively reduce their company’s property taxes. A company’s entire property needs to be reviewed annually to determine the effect of market forces on all assets... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dgHpK8tvMa4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2008/Garippa_Globest_TaxMatters_December08.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/aE94_0QT6DM/Garippa_TaxAppealGlobestNJ_August09.htm Recent New Jersey case law has made it easier for assessors to thwart tax appeals filed by commercial property owners. One of the most potent weapons in the tax assessor's arsenal is the use of their power to request income and expenses associated with the taxpayer' s property. .... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/aE94_0QT6DM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Garippa_TaxAppealGlobestNJ_August09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/9YWoH3a9WvQ/EPollack_HEalthCare_Reform_CommercialRecord_October09.htm It is no secret that Connecticut leans more heavily on local property taxes to support the activities of municipal government than almost any other state in the union. The recent economic downturn and lack of leadership in Hartford to achieve meaningful property tax reform has only exacerbated the situation.... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/9YWoH3a9WvQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/EPollack_HEalthCare_Reform_CommercialRecord_October09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/hoyjS09oxKQ/DSullivan_Property_Tax_Reform_Goes_Awry_NREI_October09.htm At first blush, it appears that a cap on property tax values, often called appraisal or assessment caps, provides a panacea for limiting increasing property taxes. However, a closer look reveals that artificial caps precipitate other larger, more far-reaching problems... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/hoyjS09oxKQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/DSullivan_Property_Tax_Reform_Goes_Awry_NREI_October09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gUm4Ucd6Y5A/NewsLtr.html Property tax bills have arrived in the mail and, understandably, you are upset with the fact that in the current economic climate your taxes are going up, while your property value is going down. You have a right to appeal your property tax assessment... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gUm4Ucd6Y5A" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#or http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gcoV0iDDTAQ/NewsLtr.html A Minnesota Tax Court judges recently ruled that an assessor was not qualified as an expert, and could present appraisal evidence at trial. The court reasoned that the assessor did not have the appraisal licensure necessary to ensure compliance with the Uniform Standards on Professional Appraisal Practice (“USPAP”)... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gcoV0iDDTAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/hK8dAgTyGUg/NewsLtr.html It is an unusual year in Georgia for property tax billings. In years past by this time of year most property owners had some reasonable expectations about their property tax obligations. But this year a number of counties and cities in Georgia have not finalized or even issued their billings... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/hK8dAgTyGUg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ga http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZHloxqbdUTQ/NewsLtr.html The North Carolina Property Tax Commission recently handed down a decision in In the Matter of: the Appeal of Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 07 PTC 298, which may make challenges to the assessments of operating industrial plants more difficult... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZHloxqbdUTQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/eCCEwJ3UqFg/NewsLtr.html The Massachusetts fiscal year 2010 commenced on July 1, 2009. Most but not all jurisdictions in Massachusetts will be sending out their fiscal year 2010 property tax bills at the end of this year. Those tax bills are for the assessment date of January 1, 2009. .... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/eCCEwJ3UqFg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ma http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/KuKfWfq28Mc/NewsLtr.html Most jurisdictions in Rhode Island have recently sent out their 2009 property tax bills. The 2009 bills relates to an assessment date of December 31, 2008. A person aggrieved by the assessment can file an appeal with the local assessor... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/KuKfWfq28Mc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ri http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/PXIpDp14vCg/NewsLtr.html The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration recently published the tax year 2008 equalization ratios. These ratios apply to the April 1, 2008 assessing date. The abatement applications pertaining to the April 1, 2008 assessing date were due on March 1, 2009. If you have filed an Abatement Application, the newly published equalization ratio will assist you in determining the strength of your appeal...... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/PXIpDp14vCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/YP2I7Omlfyw/NewsLtr.html In order to fund its $330,000,000 portion of the second phase of the Dulles Metrorail project, Fairfax County is attempting to create a new taxing district by gathering petition signatures from property owners representing 51% of the assessed value of the commercial property within the district boundary..... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/YP2I7Omlfyw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#va http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/meZLuftml3Y/NewsLtr.html Taxing units throughout Texas will soon mail 2009 property tax bills after adopting tax rates ranging generally from 2% to 3% of taxable value. Taxpayers must be vigilant to avoid missing payment of a tax bill. All taxpayers receive a school and county bill and, if located within such, a city or special district bill. Tax bills are sent to the "most recent address in possession" of the county appraisal district whether current or not.... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/meZLuftml3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tx http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dVeJPtYlTWc/NewsLtr.html Property values have declined significantly across all types of property in New Jersey over the past 18 months. While this has resulted in record numbers of property tax appeals, actual transactions between buyers and sellers demonstrating this erosion of value are limited. This can be problematical when dealing with finite valuation dates in evidentiary proceedings... More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dVeJPtYlTWc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nj http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/u9WCV-jzSPU/NewsLtr.html Taxpayer is a telecommunications company that operates a network of fiber optic telecommunication lines throughout North America. As the economy expanded, Taxpayer rapidly expanded its network capacity in anticipation of perceived increases in future demand. As it turned out, however, taxpayer overbuilt its network and the value of its property was impaired....More online<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/u9WCV-jzSPU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#az http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/aE94_0QT6DM/Garippa_TaxAppealGlobestNJ_August09.htm Recent New Jersey case law has made it easier for assessors to thwart tax appeals filed by commercial property owners. One of the most potent weapons in the tax assessor’s arsenal is the use of their power to request income and expenses associated with the taxpayer’s property....<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/aE94_0QT6DM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Garippa_TaxAppealGlobestNJ_August09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/zqZzH7nNrXA/Paul_NewMETHOD_NREI_JulyAugust09.htm Assessing the value of REIT assets for property tax purposes has historically been an ordeal for assessors, as well as for owners challenging their work. Published data indicates that property values have dropped over the past two years, but the lack of sales leaves relatively little to prove the declines...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/zqZzH7nNrXA" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Paul_NewMETHOD_NREI_JulyAugust09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/GfLSikLmIYU/events2.html American Property Tax Counsel announces the focal point of its 15th Annual Property Tax Seminar: At a time when real estate values are falling and local governments see no alternatives to budget deficits but higher assessments ('Maintaining the tax base'), American Property Tax Counsel will work on developing strategies to counter escalating assessments in a depression-like market. The seminar will be held on October 9th through the 10th , in Phoenix, AZ and is entitled: A ROADMAP TO CHALLENGING INFLATED ASSESSMENTS. More information on the event at www.aptcnet.com in the Events section.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/GfLSikLmIYU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/events2.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/s5UlbAPJJys/LTerrill_Shouldering_aCostly_Burden_NREI_June09.htm Will Rogers once said: 'The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.' Commercial property owners could say the same thing of state legislatures when it comes to property taxation. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/s5UlbAPJJys" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/LTerrill_Shouldering_aCostly_Burden_NREI_June09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ICenmgdbKSc/NewsLtr.html The current economic downturn has caused bank sales to become a common if not predominant method of real estate conveyance in many markets. In Michigan there are certain markets where the only recent sales are the result of mortgage or tax foreclosures. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ICenmgdbKSc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Dc3VGtYSVQE/NewsLtr.html A recent bill changes the presumption of correctness in Florida property tax appeals. Under the new law the appraiser must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that its assessment was arrived at by complying with statutory requirements and professionally accepted appraisal practices. If the appraiser fails to prove this, then its assessment does not have a presumption of correctness. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Dc3VGtYSVQE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#fl http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/LGc6M9KP1tI/NewsLtr.html The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has recently decided Tech One Associates v. Bd of Property Assmnt and Rev. of Allegheny Cnty..No. 103 C.D. 2008 (June 1, 2009). In Tech One, the court stated that “fee simple, a fee simple determinable, a leasehold interest, or month to month lease are irrelevant.” More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/LGc6M9KP1tI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#pa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/1ZKuU_kqp0c/NewsLtr.html The Board of Equalization for Jefferson County sent out the 2009 valuation notices on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Jefferson County is home to metropolitan Birmingham and many of the surrounding suburbs. The valuation date for purposes of the notice is October 1, 2008 and will be the basis for calculation of the ad valorem tax bill due on each parcel for October 1st, 2009 (delinquent December 31, 2009). More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/1ZKuU_kqp0c" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#al http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/u9WCV-jzSPU/NewsLtr.html At issue in Calpine Construction Finance Co. v. Ariz. Dept. of Rev., 554 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 3 (Ariz. App. 2009), was whether the taxpayer or the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe (“Tribe”) owned the improvements and personal property located on the Indian reservation. Calpine sought a refund of property taxes assessed on the electric power generating plant and personal property it operated on the lease of trust land from the Fort Mohave Indian Tribe. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/u9WCV-jzSPU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#az http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/LUOXDor1zJg/NewsLtr.html Tennessee taxpayers are entitled to equalization relief even though Tennessee is a market value state. The equalization is based on a sales ratio determined for each county by the Tennessee State Board of Equalization. The purpose of the sales ratio study is to establish the median level of valuation. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/LUOXDor1zJg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/JJLUlAnP1nc/NewsLtr.html On June 12, 2009 the Utah Supreme Court issued its decision in the ABCO Enterprises case upholding the assessment of "a privilege tax on a leasehold interest at the same amount that a fee simple interest would be assessed. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/JJLUlAnP1nc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ut http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZKuKRufSgcE/NewsLtr.html In response to the growing controversy over the valuation of low-income housing, Idaho recently enacted legislation providing guidance to county assessors for the valuation of low income housing projects governed by section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZKuKRufSgcE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#id http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/YP2I7Omlfyw/NewsLtr.html Refinancing is all but impossible. Assets are not trading. What is the fair market value of a property? According to assessment offices throughout Virginia, not much has changed – most assessments are even or only slightly down. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/YP2I7Omlfyw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#va http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/uGKdB1AQTM4/NewsLtr.html Washington's recent legislative session was characterized both by what the legislature enacted and what it failed to pass. First, in an effort to gain greater consistency between counties in their property tax valuations and to have valuations more accurately reflect market conditions, counties must value property annually for property tax purposes by January 1, 2014. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/uGKdB1AQTM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gcoV0iDDTAQ/NewsLtr.html Minnesota's Tax Court recently rejected use of the cost approach for a 1.1 million square foot corporate headquarters in suburban Minneapolis. Over $120 million was spent to expand the campus by nearly 500,000 s.f. the year prior to the assessment. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gcoV0iDDTAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/eCCEwJ3UqFg/NewsLtr.html Many of the taxpayers that filed fiscal year 2009 applications for abatement have had their applications denied by the local assessors. If a taxpayer wants to continue with his appeal he must file a petition with the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/eCCEwJ3UqFg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ma http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/mH0rpgSW7tI/NewsLtr.html In Maine many jurisdictions are in the process of committing their 2009 tax bills. These tax bills have an assessing date of April 1, 2009. The tax bills are usually sent out to the taxpayers within a few weeks of the commitment date. The taxpayer must file an abatement application with the local assessor within 185 days from the commitment date. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/mH0rpgSW7tI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#me http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/es4Y-J9eg8k/NewsLtr.html Unlike in the past, Notices of New Assessments will not be mailed in most Counties throughout Indiana this year. Although some taxpayers may receive Notices alerting them to changes in the assessed value for their property, it is more likely that... More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/es4Y-J9eg8k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#in http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/hK8dAgTyGUg/NewsLtr.html The governor has signed three new bills affecting property tax issues in Georgia. S.B. 55, amending O.C.G.A. § 48-5-2, mandates that tax assessors consider foreclosure, bank and other financial institution owned sales... More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/hK8dAgTyGUg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ga http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/bsZDQde01dY/NewsLtr.html In Missouri, new Section 137.275 RSMo. provides that any aggrieved property owner may file an appeal with the county board of equalization on or before the second Monday in July. That would seem clear except that Section 137.385 provides appeals to the county board of equalization... More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/bsZDQde01dY" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mo http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/meZLuftml3Y/NewsLtr.html The Texas Legislature adjourned on June 1 after considering 355 bills related to property taxes and passing 58 of them. It was an extremely active property tax session. The following are some of the more significant changes... More online..<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/meZLuftml3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tx http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/KuKfWfq28Mc/NewsLtr.html In Rhode Island the deadline for filing an account with the assessors is approaching. The proper and timely filing of an account is a jurisdictional prerequisite to a valid appeal in many property tax appeal cases. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/KuKfWfq28Mc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ri http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/PXIpDp14vCg/NewsLtr.html The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration recently published the tax year 2008 equalization ratios. These ratios apply to the April 1, 2008 assessing date. More..<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/PXIpDp14vCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/3xBaZ46UPlM/NewsLtr.html The taking of a former Volkswagen auto dealership and repair facility consisting of approximately 2.5 acres with a gross building area of slightly more than 19,000 square feet generated a confluence of appraisal opinion perhaps not seen since the last solar eclipse. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/3xBaZ46UPlM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ct http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/dVeJPtYlTWc/NewsLtr.html The tax filing season has recently concluded in New Jersey with startling results. According to the New Jersey Tax Court, the number of appeals filed in 2009 increased by over 40% from the number filed in 2008. This is the largest one year increase in the history of the Tax Court. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/dVeJPtYlTWc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nj http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/3nm_Pe-jJEg/NewsLtr.html Colorado just completed the filing process for tax protests of the 2009-2010 reassessment for real property tax valuations. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/3nm_Pe-jJEg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#co http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/K513yTUd5HQ/Sullivan_RetailQUANDARY_NREI_May09.htm Current market conditions have led to tenant bankruptcies, store closings, vacancies, deals placed on hold and declining sales in many retail centers in the U.S. Given these pressures, it should be easy to argue that property values have declined. More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/K513yTUd5HQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Sullivan_RetailQUANDARY_NREI_May09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/_YQvkdz0fEI/caseAZ.html Eurofresh v. Graham County - case regarding: Proof required for Economic Obsolescence. Southwest Airlines v. Arizona Department of Revenue - case regarding: Taxation of avionics application software used in aircraft More online...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/_YQvkdz0fEI" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/caseAZ.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/xJDGKWqZlnk/NewsLtr.html In recent years several airports, such as in Anchorage, Baltimore-Washington, Kansas City, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Houston, and Phoenix, have constructed consolidated car rental facilities to enhance the ground transportation services available to passengers. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/xJDGKWqZlnk" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nv http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Nxo3-iKsLzM/NewsLtr.html Owners of exempt property may be hurt by a recent Louisiana law change. Historically, the owners of tax exempt property did not have to confirm that the exemption was being respected by the Assessor by checking the tax rolls during the public inspection period. The owner of exempt property could challenge a tax bill by paying the bill under protest and filing a lawsuit in district court. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Nxo3-iKsLzM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#la http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/3xBaZ46UPlM/NewsLtr.html Enrico Vaccaro carries on a solo legal practice in Bridgeport in a building where he shares office space with two other attorneys. His arrangement with these attorneys includes access to and use of the office furniture and office equipment located there. He owns but a fax machine, printer and a telephone. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/3xBaZ46UPlM" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ct http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/1ZKuU_kqp0c/NewsLtr.html Alabama law requires the assessment of both real and personal property and the levy of ad valorem taxes on both. Each purchaser of real property who owns such property on October 1 st is required to assess that property with the tax assessor (or, in some counties the revenue commissioner) between October 1 st and January 1 st. Once assessed, the taxpayer is not required to reassess each year unless there have been improvements made or some change in the status of the taxpayer or property occurs. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/1ZKuU_kqp0c" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#al http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/YP2I7Omlfyw/NewsLtr.html Refinancing is all but impossible. Assets are not trading. What is the fair market value of a property? According to assessment offices throughout Virginia, not much has changed - most assessments are even or only slightly down. Adding to the challenges owners face are increased real estate tax rates. Most jurisdictions are in the final stages of preparing the 2010 budget on which the calendar year 2009 tax rate will be based. Look for tax rates to increase more than assessments have fallen. The result for many properties is higher taxes per square foot and assessments in excess of fair market value. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/YP2I7Omlfyw" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#va http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/Dc3VGtYSVQE/NewsLtr.html In Florida, partial payments of real property taxes are generally not permitted. One exception is when an assessment is being contested, a taxpayer may make a good faith payment of "not less than the amount of the tax which the taxpayer in good faith admits to be owing." In a recent case, the court addressed good faith payments and wrote that the legislative intent was to ensure that revenue continues to flow to counties during the potentially lengthy legal appeal process. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/Dc3VGtYSVQE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#fl http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/uGKdB1AQTM4/NewsLtr.html The tax assessors in Washington's two largest counties have been in the news recently. Longtime King County Assessor Scott Noble was charged with two counts of vehicular assault in connection with a head-on collision while traveling the wrong way on Interstate 5. Initial reports indicated that Mr. Noble was intoxicated, and the Seattle Times published a prominent follow up story on Mr. Noble's long struggle with alcohol. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/uGKdB1AQTM4" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wa http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/5XyBhXOzLAQ/NewsLtr.html As part of Cook County's revolving three year cycle of property revaluations, all properties in the City of Chicago will be revalued in 2009. We expect that Assessment Notices for Rogers Park and Lake View will be mailed some time after April 15th. From there the revaluation process will continue throughout the rest of 2009. Effective for 2009, the Cook County Board has revised the Ordinance which governs assessment ratios in all of Cook County. All commercial and industrial properties will now be assessed at 25% of market value. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/5XyBhXOzLAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#il http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/LUOXDor1zJg/NewsLtr.html Countywide reappraisal often results in increased assessments because Tennessee counties are only reappraised every four- to six-years. The four largest Tennessee counties where last reappraised in 2005, and are among the counties undergoing reappraisal in 2009. In light of recent years' economic and market conditions, most taxpayers expected values to decrease in 2009. To the shock of many taxpayers, values have increased as much as 18% in certain areas. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/LUOXDor1zJg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZKuKRufSgcE/NewsLtr.html Idaho's property tax appeal season will be upon us soon. This is a year to look closely at your tax values. In order to get ready for the very fast moving appeal process in Idaho, start by considering whether last year's value makes sense for January 1, 2009. If not, you can initiate informal discussions with your assessor now. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZKuKRufSgcE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#id http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/enIfK-rFrrg/NewsLtr.html With the economy in its current state taxpayers must be diligent in minimizing expenses. Contesting over assessed property taxes should be foremost on the list of ways to reduce costs. In order to contest the 2008 taxes payable in 2009 taxpayers must file with the county board of revision no later than March 31, 2009. Complaints must be received by the county by the deadline as such it is wise to have the complaint time stamped to prove that the complaint was timely filed. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/enIfK-rFrrg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#oh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ICenmgdbKSc/NewsLtr.html For decades Michigan has had its own special March Madness; a non-contact sport that sometimes involves nail-biting races against the clock as taxpayers try to file Board of Review protests notwithstanding assessment notices arriving with no time to spare and filing requirements and deadlines that vary among Michigan's thousands of taxing units (including a handful of jurisdictions that put time on their side by establishing February appeal deadlines). More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ICenmgdbKSc" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/cP-QhybxXGE/NewsLtr.html The Superior Court recently held that the Los Angeles County Assessor's technique for removing non-taxable intangible property from the value of an operating hotel business, in order to determine the assessed value of the hotel's real property, violated California law. The Assessor had urged the county Assessment Appeals Board to accept the "Rushmore appraisal technique" for removing a Hilton franchise, hotel management and workforce, and other intangible assets and rights from the business enterprise value of a full-service hotel. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/cP-QhybxXGE" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ca http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/ZHloxqbdUTQ/NewsLtr.html Business personal property is subject to assessment at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 of each year in North Carolina. Business personal property includes machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computers and some forms of software. Listings, which must be filed by January 31 or the extended filing date if an extension is filed, must also include construction in progress, supplies and other forms of assessable property. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/ZHloxqbdUTQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/gcoV0iDDTAQ/NewsLtr.html Many owners saw red when Minnesota's truth in taxation statements arrived late last fall. Owners wanted to know: why hadn't values been reduced to mirror the market decline evident by the end of 2008? The reason in most cases is that the assessor values the property as of January 2, 2008 for the pay 2009 taxes. Assessors argue that in early 2008, the market freefall was not apparent. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/gcoV0iDDTAQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#mn http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/PXIpDp14vCg/NewsLtr.html The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration will be publishing the tax year 2008 equalization ratios this spring. The tax year 2008 has an assessing date of April 1, 2008. The filing deadline for tax year 2008 was March 1, 2009. In New Hampshire the equalization ratio is essential in determining whether or not your property is assessed properly. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/PXIpDp14vCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nh http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/kGnRh3EWDa0/NewsLtr.html On January 20, 2009, the circuit court for Milwaukee County struck down as unconstitutional a statute the Wisconsin Legislature enacted in 2008 which limited the rights of certain property owners to challenge their assessments. Under a longstanding Wisconsin statute permitting challenges to excessive assessments, property owners dissatisfied following review of their assessments by the local board of review can file a claim against the municipality and then file a suit in circuit court, which proceeds as an independent civil action. In 2001, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down on Equal Protection grounds a provision in the statute which made it inapplicable in the state's most populous county, Milwaukee County. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/kGnRh3EWDa0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#wi http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/u3Ov6Buh9x0/NewsLtr.html Most Kentucky counties will be mailing out their 2009 assessment notices in April. Kentucky law requires that a taxpayer be notified in writing of any increase in its real property tax assessment. Taxpayers wishing to challenge their tax assessments must do so during the statutory appeal period, generally the first two weeks of May. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/u3Ov6Buh9x0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ky http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/es4Y-J9eg8k/NewsLtr.html Indiana's property tax system continues to change due to the legislated tax reform last year. Unlike in the past, Notices of New Assessments will not be mailed in most Counties throughout Indiana this year. Although some taxpayers may receive Notices alerting them to changes in the assessed value for their property, it is more likely that any assessment changes will appear on the taxpayer's Spring 2009 tax bill. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/es4Y-J9eg8k" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#in http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/6SXv6DHNRGo/NewsLtr.html In a stunning reversal, the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court ruled that notwithstanding a State Agency's regulations and opinion to the contrary, rent stabilization provisions which permitted vacancy, high rent or luxury decontrol of apartments were illegal when a property was receiving J-51 tax abatement benefits. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/6SXv6DHNRGo" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#nyc http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/eCCEwJ3UqFg/NewsLtr.html In the late winter and spring of each year many assessors in Massachusetts send to various property owners request for information. These requests are sent out pursuant to MGL Ch. 59 section 38D which requires that they be answered within 60 days. Those requests for information are now being sent out. More...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/eCCEwJ3UqFg" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ma http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/p952_h9Npt8/NewsLtr.html The notices are out for the reassessment for 2009 taxation based on a January 1, 2008 value. In previous articles, we have raised issues as to where that may lead given the present economic circumstances facing North America. What we must now be alerted to is not only the value as determined but also the implementation of the 'phase-in' and tax capping regimes now within the discretion of the local municipalities....<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/p952_h9Npt8" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#canada http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/meZLuftml3Y/NewsLtr.html The Texas Legislature is currently meeting for its biennial five month legislative session. Last session approximately 300 property tax bills were introduced and 59 were passed by the Legislature. It appears that 300 property tax bills will be introduced again this year. The primary areas of focus are as follows:....<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/meZLuftml3Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#tx http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/JSmV3GqEh18/NewsLtr.html The 2009 appeal season is upon us. Most, if not all, of the new 2009 real property values are mailed in the month of March to property owners across Kansas. If you did not receive a 2009 valuation notice, you can contact the county appraiser's office (http://www.kansas.gov/kcaa/appraisers/main.htm). Some counties have valuation information on-line. To see if the county has on-line information, check here. http://www.kansas.gov/kcaa/links.htm ....<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/JSmV3GqEh18" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ks http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/5GBTuXNCRsk/ American Property Tax Counsel's Member for the New York City jurisdiction, Mr. Joel Marcus, partner at Marcus and Pollack LLP, has been recently interviewed by the CBS TV station. APTC's professional representative is sharing his expert advice on how to file a property tax appeal...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/5GBTuXNCRsk" height="1" width="1"/> http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=124436@wcbs.dayport.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/8ap0q8PZblQ/NewsLtr.html Pursuant to 68 O.S. ' 2902, a taxpayer may qualify for a five (5) year manufacturing exemption if certain statutory conditions are met. One condition requires that the initial application reflect a net increase in annualized payroll which must be maintained or increased for each subsequent year. The amount of net payroll increase varies from two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to one million dollars ($1,000,000) depending upon the population of the county in which the facility is located. Because layoffs almost certainly decrease the annualized payroll, a taxpayer risks not qualifying for the manufacturing exemption...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/8ap0q8PZblQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/NewsLtr.html#ok http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/OrAYWhyUFyU/Mandell_Raines_HistoricDATA_NREI_Feb09.htm During periods of economic weakness, U.S. commercial and industrial real estate owners become vulnerable to unrealistic and excessive property tax assessments. Assessors' reliance on mass appraisal methodology and their use of data compiled during strong economic periods are the two main reasons for this problem. Due to the large number of property tax parcels in a jurisdiction and limited resources to assess them, assessors typically employ mass appraisal methodology. In a mass appraisal, assessors gather and study certain economic data for a one- to three-year period preceding the assessment's effective date, including sales transactions, market rents, vacancy levels and/or levels of operating expenses.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/OrAYWhyUFyU" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Mandell_Raines_HistoricDATA_NREI_Feb09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/g_EvHGpM_ow/members.html An Alabama-based law firm of DonovanFingar LLC has joined American Property Tax Counsel, the national affiliation of property tax attorneys, and will be serving as association's professional representative in the region. This is the first member from Alabama. The firm brings onboard over a hundred years of experience in the area of Real Estate. About the Firm: DonovanFingar, LLC traces its roots back to 1904, when the firm was originally founded as Pettus and Graham. The mission of DonovanFingar is to provide comprehensive legal representation for the business community, representing both individual entrepreneurs and corporate businesses. Along with associated members of American Property Tax Counsel, DonovanFingar is committed to supplying best legal services in the area of real estate taxation...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/g_EvHGpM_ow" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/members.html#AL http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/x9nhEw0tXd0/Jennings_Battling_Excessive_MREN_Jan09.htm Two problems now plague Ohio commercial property owners. First, the economic troubles faced by the entire nation also exist in Ohio. Second, the state is one of the very few that permits school districts to intervene in the assessment process. In almost every commercial assessment hearing, school boards are present, making it virtually impossible for the Board of Revision to continue working toward its original goal, to find efficient ways to correct assessments. Instead, due to the school boards’ involvement, tax cases may, and often do, take several years to come to resolution. This presents a real problem for over assessed property owners suffering from vacancies....<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/x9nhEw0tXd0" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Jennings_Battling_Excessive_MREN_Jan09.htm http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~3/SvwXzxjNFco/Jennings_Gain_Control_AHF_Jan09.htm Local tax assessment rules and practices have a lasting effect on returns to developers and owners of affordable housing. Investors face many difficulties—uncertainty about property taxes should not be one of them. A developer who builds a property is subject to a different set of risks than a buyer who purchases a property as an ongoing project or for rehabilitation. When a builder constructs affordable housing, in many cases, taxing authorities have reasonably good records regarding land sales and construction costs. Therefore the assessor’s knee-jerk reaction is typically to value the property at the total cost of land and construction. For the assessor, it’s fast, easy, and makes some sense; for the developer, it often means paying significantly more property tax than comparable properties. Affordable housing requires additional support to make the project viable, and an unfair tax burden can be the difference between a stable, viable property and one that fails...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/AmericanPropertyTaxCounsel/~4/SvwXzxjNFco" height="1" width="1"/> http://www.aptcnet.com/articles/2009/Jennings_Gain_Control_AHF_Jan09.htm