Archive for category: Blog

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

February is always an interesting time for our business – we can only prepare so much for the property tax filing deadlines because we’re dependent upon our clients’ year-end information.

This typically isn’t completed until the end of January and forwarded to us in the first week or two in February.

So we try to get ready for the storm that’s about ready to come. It’s a feeling you never really get used to…you’re not too busy and then you get busy. And then you get REALLY busy.

As an example, business personal property tax deadlines in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Missouri and Wyoming are due on March 1st and March 15th.  All of the sudden we have 30 days or less to complete and review all of these filings.

This doesn’t include the real estate values which Johnson County, KS issued in mid-February (commercial values – residential will be issued March 1st. The appeal deadline for commercial real estate in Johnson County is March 14th – busy indeed!

I’m certainly not complaining, but even after 30+ years in the business, it’s hard to explain the knot in your stomach that occurs each year around this time. I’m fortunate to have a staff that has experienced these peaks along with me for several years and I’m confident we will have another successful season representing our clients’ interests.

The following is a quick listing of several states where we have significant experience and expertise. If you have properties in these states, please be aware of the timeframe to file your business personal property statements or appeal your real estate valuations if you believe they’re excessive.

State                 Personal Property Deadline                   Real Estate Deadline

Kansas                 March 15                                                              March 14 – (commercial)

Missouri              March 1                                                                3rd Monday in June

Oklahoma           March 15                                                              Generally in June

Iowa                     Not applicable – Exempt                                 April 30

Colorado             April 15                                                                 May 31

Nebraska             May 1                                                                    June 30

Arkansas              May 1                                                                    Varies

We’re familiar with all state deadlines and if you have properties in states not listed, please contact me at 913-766-8777 and I will be glad to discuss the timeframe and our ability to assist you.

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

It’s about this time that high school seniors who have applied to attend college are starting hear back from the colleges and universities as to whether they’ve been accepted.

While this is definitely an exciting time for teenagers, this certainly can increase the stress levels around a household. Throw in semester finals and…let’s just say the holiday break is perfectly timed.

Our youngest is going through the process right now. Will he get into his first choice of schools? When will he find out if he’s accepted, deferred or possibly not accepted to a school?  Why does it seem like all his friends are getting their first choices?

It’s hard to tell an 18-year-old everything will be ok, especially when this is most likely the biggest event and/or decision in his/her life to date. Is it scary?  Sure, it is. Is it exciting?  Absolutely. And this excitement and the opportunities that present themselves to high school seniors going forward are amazing.

It’s the next step to prepare them for the “real” world…the ability to multi-task, to prioritize, to mix business (i.e. class work) with pleasure and to learn independence. For many, it will be their first experience away from their home and the friends they’ve known since the first day of kindergarten.

What our children don’t necessarily realize is these fears and anxiety always stay with us in some capacity. In many ways, it’s what motivates one to be successful in life. As an owner of my company, there are many “What ifs?” and questions that keep me up at night.

Are my employees happy and being provided for?

Are we meeting the needs and expectations of our clients?

Is cash flow being managed appropriately and is my bank pleased?  (Side note, they must be, as I was invited to, and attended, their holiday party. Thank you MO Bank for another fantastic evening!)

What does 2018 hold and beyond?

All are important questions and our answers, through our actions and performance, help determine fulfillment in our lives. I’ve continued to subscribe to the motto,
“Work hard, play hard” although “playing hard” may be more geared to golf than various court sports these days. The point I would like to convey to my children is that working hard affords you the opportunities to enjoy playing.

So, forward we go with anticipation of what lies ahead. Whether you’re are a student, parent, employee or employer, if you do your best, work hard and be a positive influence to others, success will find you.

Looking forward to an exciting 2018…Happy Holidays to all!

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

Recently the Kansas City Star published an article about the valuation of the Country Club Plaza for property tax purposes. The article focused on the 2016 purchase of the Plaza by an entity co-owned by Taubman Centers, Inc. and Macerich Company, who acquired the property from Highwoods for a price around $660 Million.

2017 is a reassessment year in the State of Missouri and Jackson County initially increased the valuation on the collection of parcels from approximately $123 million in 2016, to a value of $375 million. The owners, arguing the new valuation was not fair and equitable, appealed the valuation and received a revised valuation of $145 Million.

Does this seem fair and reasonable?  Read more

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

My wife and I just returned from a trip to Maine. It’s one of the few states we haven’t participated in the local economy (i.e. – spent money on food and drink 🙂 ) and we both thought it would be a great place to visit and catch a little rest and relaxation.

As part of our journey, we ventured out on a lobster boat to learn about the industry and the art of catching lobsters.  Besides learning facts about lobsters (Did you know some female lobsters have over 40,000 eggs?), we also learned the industry is all about “rules of the sea” and “unwritten rules of the sea”.

While the rules indicate one only needs to receive a license to catch lobster anywhere in the State of Maine, the unwritten rules dictate the specific area where one can drops their traps. A person would be very wise to not cross that line, unless he/she would be willing to have the lines to their trap cut by lobstermen and women of the defined area. Read more

Post written by Donald Swartz, President and Principal at Swartz + Associates, Inc. | Lover of Chiefs, Royals and golf | Avid “Cruiser” | Poker Enthusiast

As I reflected upon this past Father’s Day, I wanted to take a few minutes to acknowledge the role my father has played in my life. Knowingly or unknowingly he’s influenced the way I interact with people in a professional and social environment.

As a small business owner during my childhood and high school years, my father worked many hours over the course of a week, but always made it a point to attend all school related activities involving me and my brother.

As a retailer, he was constantly interacting with customers; helping them find items, working through payment options and providing personal service if home delivery was necessary.

Of course, as an owner, the issue of cash flow, payroll and employee management are components I never appreciated growing up. Instead, I was interested in the latest model rockets, Sizzlers and board games.  Who knew there was a management to this process? Read more