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

• Alcoa Power and Propulsion:

  Assisted this firm by providing specific information needed to properly book property taxes based upon whether or not property taxes are paid in advance or arrears and how various calendar dates relate to Michigan's annual tax calendar.

• 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

• Citizen's Against City Water

  Provided an analysis of a special assessment apportionment for this Tuscola County, Michigan taxpayer group. It led to the termination of all special assessment burdens on the citizens.

• City of Menominee, Michigan

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

• City of Saginaw, Michigan:

  Provided brochure on residential housing incentives and programs.

• 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 property by approximately 50% for 12 years.

• Dow Chemical Company:

  Provided training for employees on matters of real property taxation in Michigan

• Dow Corning Corporation:

  Provided training for employees on matters of real property taxation in Michigan

• Eastern Savings Bank, fsb

  Provided an analytical report explaining property tax changes on a number of real and personal properties newly acquired in Michigan by this Maryland firm. The analysis saved them substantial costs associated with hiring various professional to support an appeal of each property.

• Independence Commons Subdivision

  Assisted this Farmington Hills, Michigan taxpayers group with filing individual appeals in opposition to a road paving special assessment. Provided research and guidance during the appeal process

• 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. Co-authored special assessment textbook.

• Michigan Legislature

  At the invitation of the House Committee on Local Government, in 2014, provided background information regarding special assessment administration and the history of the special assessment.

• Michigan, State of:

  Per contract (2010) authored Chapters 12 and 17 of planned State Tax Commission guide. 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

• Planet Fitness

  Provided assistance relative to ad valorem property tax issues in the Detroit, Michigan area.

• 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.

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

• Village of Kingsley:

  Provided guidance on the adoption of special assessments. Client used Michigan Property Consultants' teleconference method to achieve a low cost due diligence effort.

• 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 on 573 properties: 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 ****************************************************************************

        The reader may observe some instances of property tax appeal work in client services listed. Those refer to resolutions of disputes through negotiation at the local level. Michigan Property Consultants uses its expertise and energy to solve problems and avoid costly appeals whenever possible. This is achieved by negotiating a mutual decision of all parties at the local level.

  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.
  5. The exception is special assessment administration. The area is of particular interest to our firm. We have unique training in this area and participate in the process from formation through appeal activities.

        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.
  

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