Nothing Is More Certain Than Death and Taxes – But One of Them Pays Off

By Keith Sherman, Business Development at Swartz and Associates

You’ve heard the saying: “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” It’s a phrase that’s been passed down for generations, and for good reason. It reminds us that no matter how many choices we have, some outcomes are fixed. But if you’re reading this, good news—you’ve dodged one of the two for today.

After four decades helping people and brands sell everything from ideas to products as a marketing and advertising professional, I’ve pivoted to a new chapter: property taxes. Yes, really.

Today, I work with Swartz + Associates, a full-service property tax firm specializing in the review, analysis, and appeal of real and business personal property valuations. In plain terms? We help commercial property owners and investors ensure they’re paying only their fair share—and not a penny more.

From “Nice to Have” to “Gotta Have”

In my marketing days, I saw budgets slashed more times than I can count. Marketing was often treated as a “nice to have,” even when it was the heartbeat of growth. (Spoiler: it still is.) But property taxes? They were always a “gotta have.” For many businesses, they ranked as the second or third largest expense—non-negotiable, unavoidable, and often overlooked.

Funny how life works. I spent years in a field full of uncertainty, only to land in one defined by certainty. But don’t let the grayscale fool you—this isn’t a dull pivot. The relationships, the strategy, the advocacy? All still intact. What’s changed is the impact: helping companies uncover hidden savings in a place they rarely look.

Why It Matters

Your organization’s buildings and equipment may not be properly valued. That misvaluation could be costing you—quietly, consistently, and unnecessarily. Our team at Swartz + Associates has a strong track record of reducing costs across the U.S. in this “gotta have” category. And as someone who’s studied consumer behavior for a lifetime, I can tell you: companies love saving money. Especially when it’s done right.

So yes, death and taxes may be certain. But overpaying on property taxes? That’s optional. Let’s talk.

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!