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Florida Couple Hit with Reassessment After “Substantial Improvements”
Imagine spending a significant amount of time and money on renovating a home, only to find that the property taxes have not only doubled, not only tripled, but multiplied six times over. Although this may sound like a real estate horror tale, Florida residents Walter and Debbie have experienced this firsthand. The couple’s dream waterfront... Read More
Could Property Taxes in Florida Be a Thing of the Past?
Governor Ron DeSantis’ ambitious proposal to completely eliminate Florida property tax represents unprecedented legal and fiscal territory. As the first state to potentially abolish property taxes entirely, Florida faces complex constitutional, administrative, and economic challenges that warrant comprehensive legal analysis. Legislative Framework and Constitutional Considerations The property tax in Florida currently operates through a millage... Read More
The Key Term All Commercial Real Estate Owners Should Know
Commercial real estate owners face substantial property tax burdens that can significantly impact investment returns. However, a comprehensive understanding of obsolescence real estate principles can unlock substantial tax savings through strategic property tax appeals. This critical valuation concept often determines the success or failure of assessment challenges, yet remains underutilized by property owners seeking tax... Read More
No One is Safe! Chicago Suburb Aims to Buy – or Take – Pope Leo XIV’s Childhood Home
In early May, Robert Prevost was introduced to the world as Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. Pope Leo was raised in the small suburb of Dolton, Illinois, where his family resided for nearly 50 years. Following the pontiff’s recent introduction, Dolton has now made it clear that intends to acquire Pope Leo’s childhood... Read More
Filing a Self-Represented Property Tax Appeal? Use Caution!
New Jersey property owners face among the highest property tax burdens in the nation, creating significant financial pressure for homeowners and businesses alike. Fortunately, the law provides a remedy through the assessment appeal process—a legal mechanism that allows taxpayers to challenge potentially excessive valuations. While the prospect of reducing one’s tax obligation is appealing, the... Read More
15 States Sue Trump to Stop Fast-Tracked Energy Expansion
On the first day of President Trump’s second term, he signed Executive Order 14156, entitled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency.” That EO directs the heads of executive departments and federal agencies — including the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation — to issue permits... Read More
Just Compensation Example: What a Condo Developer’s Court Win Teaches Property Owners
When the government takes property, most owners already know they’re entitled to something. But what happens when two parties both hold a legitimate interest in the same property? And who decides how the money gets divided? This just compensation example from a 2024 North Carolina Supreme Court case offers a surprisingly clear answer, and the... Read More
Paterson Kicks 5.6% Proposed Tax Hike… For Now
It turns out that when a budget proposal includes a significant property tax increase, city residents are about as thrilled as a cat in a bathtub. The mayor of Paterson’s proposed 2025 budget of $302 million, which includes a 5.6% increase in property taxes, has faced opposition from City Council members and residents who believe... Read More
New Jerseyans, Expect Tax Policy Changes in 2026
Listen up, New Jerseyans! If you haven’t heard yet, Governor Murphy unveiled his budget plan for 2026: a staggering $58.1 billion, the highest budget ever proposed in New Jersey’s history. To finance such a massive budget, the governor has recommended several revenue-raising measures, including tax policy changes. Some of these proposed changes may have implications... Read More
Fourth Circuit Reverses Summary Judgment in Favor of Pipeline Company
This case serves as a reminder that the client usually knows more about their property that anyone else. Don’t hesitate to put them on the stand! The Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on January 27, 2025 in Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC v. 0.32 ACRES OF LAND, Owned by Grace Minor Terry. Full opinion here: Mountain Valley... Read More
