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Why Some States Want to Abolish Property Taxes: What It Means for Homeowners
For millions of homeowners across the country, rising property tax bills have gone from annoying to completely unaffordable. Some states have decided enough is enough and are now pushing to abolish property taxes altogether. It’s a bold idea, and it comes with serious trade-offs. Here’s what’s driving the push, which states are leading the charge,... Read More
Homeowners’ Dispute with Beach Association Lands in NJ Tax Court
Although it’s been over thirteen years since Superstorm Sandy wreaked havoc in New Jersey, many beachfront property owners continue to grapple with the regulatory aftermath which has placed restrictions on private property rights. One such case involves owners of beachfront property in Brick Township and the Normandy Beach Association. Tensions between the parties have boiled... Read More
Proposed Housing Development Puts Historic NJ Racetrack at Risk
Like every municipality in New Jersey, Old Bridge Township must provide its “fair share” of affordable housing units. Specifically, it needs to provide 673 units by the year 2035. One proposed development site would substantially help meet that requirement—but it also places a historic local racetrack at risk. Affordable Housing The affordable housing obligation began from... Read More
NJ Legislation Would Increase Filing Fees for Property Tax Appeals
While many things have changed since 1979, New Jersey’s filing fees for property tax appeals are not among them. However, that may no longer be the case. Legislation to increase the fees is pending before the state Legislature. If approved by the Senate and Assembly, then a stroke of the governor’s pen will have New... Read More
What Courts Really Look for in the Admissibility of Expert Reports
In the courtroom, rules of evidence aren’t just technicalities. They’re game changers. One rule, in particular, decides whether an expert witness can even share their specialized knowledge with the court. That single decision can determine who wins or loses a case. This is especially true in eminent domain and property tax matters. These cases almost... Read More
Property Owners Win Right to Compensation in COVID Ordinance Case
In another major victory for private property rights, the 11th Circuit recently ruled that owners of beachfront properties in Walton County, Florida are entitled to just compensation after an ordinance effectively banned them from accessing their own properties. The ordinance, which was enacted during the COVID pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus, was... Read More
PA Legislative Effort Would Permit Farmland Takings
Pennsylvania State Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill wants owners of farmland to receive fair compensation when their property is taken by eminent domain. Under current legislation, condemnors taking preserved land are only required to pay for the agricultural value of their land. This alone, Phillips-Hill argues, is not adequate. Her proposed bill would fully compensate farmland owners... Read More
Minnesotans Brace for Property Tax Increases
Minnesota’s trend of rising property taxes shows no sign of reversing course, as next year’s levies are expected to increase by as much as 6.9% statewide. This amounts to another $948 million being taxed out of property owners. Given that housing costs are already taking a chunk out of their wallets, this increase was most... Read More
Why Missing the Deadline for Property Tax Appeal Can Cost You Thousands
A recent Tax Court of New Jersey ruling proves that missing filing deadlines can be devastating for property owners. In Lee, Roseann & Lee, Charles, M. v. Closter Borough, a couple from Closter Borough lost their entire property tax appeal. Not because their case lacked merit, but because they filed 11 months past the deadline... Read More
Florida Lawmakers Clash Over Property Tax Relief Options
It’s nearly winter, but the Sunshine State is heating up as lawmakers clash over property tax relief proposals. Lawmakers have only agreed to disagree on which proposal should appear on voters’ ballots. If they can’t reach a consensus, Floridians could be left with as many as six different proposals to vote on. Let’s take a... Read More
