Fairfield County Municipal Tax Appeal Attorneys

Lawyers for Property Tax Reductions Serving Connecticut and New York

When you buy a home, you do so with the understanding that you will be responsible for property taxes assessed by your local municipality. The same is true when you purchase commercial property as well. The amount of tax to be paid is generally dependent on the assessed value of the property in question. This means that your property tax obligation can change over time.

At Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC, we know that tax assessments and property values are not always performed as often as they should be. We also realize that assessments are sometimes inaccurate and that you might be paying more in property taxes that you need to be paying. If you are concerned about the amount of your property tax bill, our attorneys can help you explore your options regarding a municipal tax appeal.

Tax Certiorari Counsel in Westchester County

Taxes are an unavoidable part of life in the United States, and most cities, towns, and villages in New York and Connecticut rely heavily on property taxes as a primary revenue source to fund municipal budgets and public schools. As the residential and commercial real estate markets grew in the early 2000s, property values increased quickly, as did the associated property taxes. However, when the market growth slowed and property values started to decrease, property tax obligations did not decrease in the same manner for many property owners.

The process through which a property owner can appeal his or her municipal tax obligation is called "tax certiorari" or "tax cert." A tax cert generally begins with a grievance filed with the municipality that assessed the tax. Each municipality may have its own rules and deadlines for filing a grievance, so it is important to work with an attorney who is familiar with your community. From there, you have the right to request a review before the local tax appeal board. If your review is not successful, you can file a judicial tax appeal and take your matter to court.

Protecting Your Rights

The lawyers at Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC have more than 65 years of combined legal experience, and we have handled many successful tax appeals. We understand how burdensome a large tax obligation can be, and we are equipped to help you take action to have your obligation lowered. Our attorneys will work with you in analyzing the municipality's assessment and determining your property's true market value. We will also advocate on your behalf during negotiations with the municipality, before tax review boards, and inside the courtroom as necessary. You can rely on us to ensure that your rights and best interests are fully protected every step of the way.

Speak With a Member of Our Team Today

To learn more about municipal tax appeals in southwest Connecticut or eastern New York, contact our office. Call Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC at 203-661-6000 to schedule a case review with an experienced real estate attorney today. Our firm represents residential and commercial property owners in Greenwich, White Plains, Fairfield County, Westchester County, and the rest of the Metro New York Area.