Property Tax

Greenberg Traurig’s Property Tax Group represents taxpayers in all types of state and local taxation matters, including property (ad valorem) tax.

We counsel clients on state and local taxes, identifying and complying with local legal requirements, filings, and other deadlines. We also consult with and assist tax agents, tax consultants, estate planners, and certified public accountants regarding legal and appraisal issues arising in their property tax practices. These services include explaining change in ownership issues arising from Proposition 13 and structuring transactions to best meet client objectives.

We negotiate with county tax assessors and State Board of Equalization appraisers regarding assessed values of real and personal property. We also address economic and functional obsolescence of fixtures, machinery, and equipment. Our representation does not stop at the assessment and appeal stages of the taxing process, but also includes the handling of disputes with county tax collectors involving billing errors and tax sales, and disputes with county auditor-controllers in connection with tax refunds and cancellations.

When litigation becomes necessary to resolve disputes, we represent our clients at administrative equalization hearings before county assessment appeals boards and we challenge property tax assessments in Superior Court, the California Court of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court.

Our practice extends to every type of complex property, including iconic theaters, refineries, hotels, golf courses, race tracks, manufacturing facilities, wind and solar farms, merchant power plants and cogeneration facilities, oil and gas producing properties, contaminated lands, intangible assets such as naming right, sports venues, pipelines, and gas stations.