Results when we appeal property assessments: Percentage of success? Typical savings achieved?

By David Swartz, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

We are often asked about our percentage of success and the typical savings achieved when we appeal property assessments – 95% success or better and 10-20% savings. This answer may have kept you interested in reading further, but the better answer is – It depends. Please keep reading.

Our success rate is very high, but we typically only appeal 1/3 of the properties we evaluate. As we go through the appeal process, we may not achieve all the desired results we think are warranted in the first round of hearings, so we will collaborate with the owner about pursuing the case further where a judge or impartial panel will consider more evidence. We rarely lose a case once we choose this path. The evidence and expert testimony can be costly, but these cases usually have a larger misalignment in values resulting in bigger potential tax savings.

We can also leverage the time to negotiate a better settlement with the county and avoid the costly trial. This often results in a very good outcome or a multi-year agreement.

We have a forty-year history to back up our results and every case is unique. This methodology over the years has helped us build our relationships with both our clients and the respective assessors’ offices. Clients recognize if there is property which warrants discussion and appeal, we will pursue this appeal vigorously. Likewise, the county understands if we have filed an appeal, we will have the data to support our basis for the appeal.

Let us know if you have questions about how your property is assessed.

Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI) is a full service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis and appeals of real and business personal property tax valuations. If you need help with your property taxes, give us a call!