A sample client list illustrating the scope of property tax related services provided by Michigan Property Consultants

      The reader may observe some instances of property tax appeal work in client services listed below. Those instances refer to resolutions of disputes through negotiation at the local level. Michigan Property Consultants uses its expertise and energy to solve problems through a mutual decision of all parties. The expertise of this company lies in matters of real and personal property taxation only.

1. The company does not litigate tax disputes.
2. It will aid firms or individuals wishing to understand the components of a potential dispute.
3. It will communicate with local assessing officials.
4. It will develop a list of potential dispute resolutions and cost savings.

      Michigan Property Consultants has no legal expertise whatsoever and has no interest in routinely undertaking property tax appeals. When there is a legitimate disagreement regarding a valuation issue or a property tax process, our function is to act as a mediator, bringing parties together. We evaluate issues; providing advice as to the types of solutions that may be available and the least costly method of securing those solutions. A number of our clients avoid costly appeals and are quite satisfied following an initial consultation or ongoing consultations. Since we do not make our living from the appeal of property taxes, we do not bill based upon a percentage of tax savings. Our fee structure is based upon a standard hourly rate.

• Acme Block and Supply Company:

  Avoided an expensive tax appeal by successfully petitioning a local Assessor for a tax reduction on property owned by this Michigan building supply wholesaler.

• A.J. Damman Company

  Solved a complicated tax proration issue for this 100 year old Troy, Michigan company. Complicating factors included: a proration involving several leases affected by both ad valorem and IFT tax burdens; an apportionment of land taxes to all parties and improvement taxes to only some parties; and adjustments based on correction of an assessment error

• Blocks' Investment Company:

  Provided assistance during a property acquisition for this Retailer and developer - including retention of local legal expertise on environmental issues

• Citizen's for Responsible Government

  Provided background information for a special assessment appeal by this St. Clair, County Michigan taxpayer group

• City of Menominee, Michigan

  Provided background information related to apportioning costs for street/highway special assessment project

• City of Saginaw, Michigan:

  Provided brochure on residential housing incentives and programs; member and Chairman of Property Tax Board of Review

• CPR Hampton and Associates:

  Provided a research report which, upon review by the assessor, resulted in an approximately $1,000,000 valuation ($50,000 annnual tax) reduction for this California firm

• David E. Oppliger, PLLC.:

  Provided citations and background research for this Port Huron law firm clarifying nomenclature common to property tax and zoning administration

• Diversified Manufacturing:

  Secured an industrial tax abatement that reduced the annual tax burden on new property by approximately 50% for 12 years.

• Michigan Assessor's Association:

  Instructor since 2001 at annual schools used to certify assessors and provide educational credits for other real estate professionals; subject matter - (1) Special Assessment Administration; and (2)the administration of Tax Capturing Authorities including Brownfields,DDAs,LDFAs,and TIFAs

• Michigan, State of:

  Author (2010) of Chapters 12 and 17 of forthcoming State Tax Commission Manual. Topics covered: exemptions, abatements, tax capturing authorities, special assessment administration and Michigan's Property Tax Board of Review

• Mistiquay Group:

  Recommended Brownfield, IFT and PA 328 strategies; aided in road paving and dust abatement project

• Nantz, Litowich, Smith, Girard & Hamilton

  Provided research for a special assessment appeal for this Grand Rapids law firm

• RTJ Properties L.L.C.:

  Represented this firm before local authorities regarding Renaissance Zone and new construction activities including tax and zoning issues

• Saginaw Future, Inc.:

  Compiled and submitted Renaissance Zone Information for state filing purposes

• Saginaw Valley State University:

  Compiled data in preparation for federal initiative

• Shinners and Cook, P.C.

  Very small role as a consultant on property tax assessment issues for this Saginaw, Michigan law firm

• Village of Stevensville:

  Periodically provided information related to DDA (Downtown Development Authority) issues

• Wiggins Lake Property Owners Association - Gladwin County, Michigan:

  $3.5-$5 Million "lake level" special assessment dispute: forced local government to return improperly spent taxpayer funds; minimized levy on citizens; prevented reduction in number of properties to be assessed; retained and coordinated legal and engineering expertise which prevented drain commissioner's petition to Circuit court from being adopted. Finalized levy - $2 Million Return to Home Page