Tax season ranks among the most stressful times of year for a commercial property owner. In addition to adding work on top of already busy schedules, it often results in sticker shock related to overinflated commercial property values. Protesting unfair valuations is one of the best ways to stave off overpayments of thousands of dollars or more — and a professional commercial property tax firm can be your best ally.

Property tax firms such as Lane are dedicated to helping property owners fight for what’s fair through strategic tax protests backed by evidence. The goal is to bring a valuation down to a more reasonable and accurate amount — with little to no added work on the property owner’s end. Let’s delve into the finer points of the commercial property tax protest and the benefits of joining forces with a professional firm.

How Does the Commercial Property Tax Appeals Process Work?

Commercial property tax appeals are multi-step actions property owners — and professional firms representing them — can take to lower unfair property valuations. The process involves filing a notice with your county appraisal district (CAD), building an evidence-based case that illustrates your property’s true worth, and then presenting that information during formal and informal hearings. In instances where the two sides fail to reach an agreement at the hearing stage, proceedings can move on to arbitration or litigation efforts.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Professional Help to Protest High Property Taxes?

Unfair valuations aren’t just common — they’re the norm. Although this has long been the case due to the imperfect mass appraisal systems CADs employ, factors such as economic shifts, changing tax rates and rising property values also contribute to the issue.

Entrusting your appeal to a professional property tax protest team can help position your case for success while protecting your profitability. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits that come with professional property tax appeal support.

No Need to Worry About Deadlines or Paperwork

The property tax appeal process is driven by deadlines set by state and local governments — and missing a deadline can mean forfeiting your opportunity to protest. When you trust the work to a professional firm, they manage the deadlines for you and take on every aspect of the work, from filing documents to performing research and representing you through hearings and beyond. The only dates you’ll need to remember are:

• January 31: The deadline for paying the prior year’s commercial property taxes
• May 15: The deadline to file a property tax protest with the CAD in Texas (deadlines vary by state)
• Protest Firm Information Request Deadline: Each firm has its own guidelines regarding when they need the basic data required to get your protest underway

Trained and Experienced Professionals by Your Side

Navigating the complex world of commercial property tax protests can feel overwhelming to anyone who doesn’t deal in the work each day. When you partner with a professional firm, you have backing from a team with an in-depth understanding of current tax laws, long-term relationships with the taxing professionals who will hear your case and firsthand experience in all sorts of scenarios.

At Lane, for instance, our team has more than 100 years of combined experience protesting unfair commercial property taxes. Our consultants are licensed real estate professionals with a deep understanding of the valuation process, tax laws and CAD operations — and we’ve successfully navigated appeals for properties of all types and sizes. In fact, Lane clients see their property values reduced by 20% or more on average.

You Pay Nothing Unless Your Taxable Value Is Lowered

Cost ranks among commercial property owners’ key concerns related to hiring a tax protest team. Firms such as Lane work on a contingency basis, meaning that if we don’t lower your property’s taxable value, you owe us nothing.

When our commercial property tax experts successfully reduce your valuation, you pay a percentage of the tax savings. This risk-free approach makes professional tax protest services accessible to any commercial property owner looking to minimize expenses and maximize financial efficiency.

How to Find a Property Tax Protest Firm You Can Trust

Although the number of commercial property tax firms has dwindled in recent years, there are still many options out there. Sourcing support from the right team plays a critical role in keeping your property tax appeal on track — and ensuring you secure the maximum savings possible. Here are some factors to keep in mind.

• Experience & Expertise: Look for a firm with a deep understanding of tax law and real estate valuation — and a proven track record, too. What does their average year look like? At Lane, we regularly achieve $25 million or more in cumulated tax savings for our clients.
• Transparency: Your property tax firm should be upfront about its fee structure, process and expected outcomes. Ask for an overview of any fees that might come into play, and avoid doing business with any firm that can’t provide adequate detail.
• A Quality Reputation: Past client success stories can provide valuable insights into a property tax firm’s credibility and effectiveness. Consider researching a firm’s online reviews and testimonials — and ask for references, if you’d like to take your search further.
• Local Knowledge: Doing business with a firm that knows your area’s real estate market, understands your state’s laws and has established relationships with local taxing professionals is among the best ways to set your appeal down a successful path from the start.

The commercial property tax protest plays a key role in helping property owners keep costs better controlled — and look out for their business over the long term. And, while it might feel overwhelming at first glance, having the right team by your side can make all the difference.

If you have questions about any of the above information, or if you’re interested in learning how Lane can unburden your business, feel free to reach out at any time. Our property tax pros are here to help.