Real Estate Taxation, Condemnation, Eminent Domain and Government Matters
Rieff Schramm & Kanter is a law firm that concentrates its practice in the area of real estate taxation, eminent domain, and government matters. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both the private and public sectors representing a diverse list of clients.
In the real estate taxation area, we have significant professional experience with all types of commercial, industrial and larger residential properties and developments. Our experience includes "special purpose" properties such as mining facilities, oil refineries and pipelines, leaseholds, air-rights, pollution control facilities, water utility facilities, and mineral rights. We have also been directly engaged in obtaining special "assessment incentives" and "tax abatements" designed to encourage industrial, commercial, and multi-residential development or rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
For each of its clients, Rieff Schramm & Kanter is committed to obtaining the most favorable property tax assessments allowed by the laws of the state and the policies of the various assessment jurisdictions.
The pursuit of this objective includes the knowledgeable review of property values and aggressive advocacy of valuation issues, as well as a comprehensive understanding of various assessment incentives and tax abatement programs to minimize the client's property tax burden. Our professional approach to property tax issues ensures our clients will be competently and thoroughly represented without fear of embarrassment.
Aside from reviewing and challenging assessments both administratively and in court, we have found it is especially important that clients be advised prior to their purchase or lease of properties. An accurate tax projection can help decide for or against an investment. It frequently provides the basis for negotiating a favorable tax proration or pass-through. This type of pre-investment advice is only one of the various property tax related services we provide.
ACCESSIBILITY AND COMMUNICATION
Our firm strives to promptly respond to our clients' concerns and inquiries. This accessibility helps remove much of the mystery that surrounds the property tax system.
We are able to produce significant tax savings for our clients by being available to discuss related tax issues such as:
- Tax prorations involved in property transfers;
- Availability of tax incentives, abatements or exemptions in anticipation of new construction or property renovation; and
- Tax projections for acquisition and budget planning.
We believe that the client is the most knowledgeable person regarding his property and is an essential part of the tax challenge team. We furnish clients with a comprehensive assessment and tax analysis to stimulate the kind of attorney/client discussion leading to a thorough understanding of the property, the clients' goals and the development of successful strategies for challenging assessments.
ADVOCACY
Once a strategy for challenging a property's assessment is established, the case is thoroughly documented, professionally presented, and aggressively argued before the assessing officials. If appropriate relief is not achieved at the administrative levels of review, we continue to pursue the case through the court. Most of our success is achieved at the administrative levels. However, we prepare the assessment challenges anticipating the possibility of court action. This approach has proven to be effective, efficient and economical for our clients.