In Michigan, property owners receive an annual assessment notice that provides the assessed and taxable values from the local assessor. An estimate of a property’s true cash value is determined by multiplying the assessed value by two. If you believe your property is over assessed, it is your responsibility to contest the assessment. Typically, when an assessment is challenged, a property owner engages a law firm with experience and knowledge in this area of law.
Should you be in need of representation, Kickham Hanley (“KH”) welcomes the opportunity to review your assessment, and if warranted will pursue a reduction on your behalf. KH has the requisite knowledge and experience to challenge assessments. Whether you own an apartment complex, retail center, office building, industrial property, golf course, hotel, or vacant land, KH can assist you in bringing a claim before the Michigan Tax Tribunal requesting a reduction in your assessment. Once a petition has been filed, there is typically adequate time to discuss an equitable settlement with local assessors. However, there are times when local assessors are insistent on the value they determined and refuse to reduce the assessment. KH will take the matter to trial in the Tribunal and, if necessary, appeal the Tribunal’s decision to the Michigan Court of Appeals.
KH has successfully challenged the real estate tax assessments of virtually every type of commercial property, resulting in millions of dollars in reductions in the taxable and assessed values. Over the years, KH has successfully challenged the tax assessments for Northland Mall (Southfield), Summit Place Mall (Waterford Township), Maple Lane Golf Club (Sterling Heights), Evergreen Plaza (Southfield), and apartment complexes such as Parkways (Auburn Hills) and Montclair at Partridge Creek (Clinton Township), along with many other properties.
KH only represents property owners and will vigorously challenge your assessments without a conflict with a municipality. KH is not a tax service that settles a challenge at the first mention of litigation. Rather, KH is a law firm that embraces the opportunity to challenge an assessment before the Tribunal. KH will diligently represent your interest and will urge you to settle or resolve your challenge only when the taxing authority is willing to reduce the assessment to an appropriate value.
KH’s typical fee arrangement provides that we are compensated based on a percentage of the tax savings, but we will consider an hourly arrangement in limited circumstances.
KH is ready to assist you in challenging your assessment.
For more detailed information concerning property assessment, click HERE.