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A significant portion of
our tax practice is state and local tax advocacy, particularly in real
and personal property tax litigation. Wease Halloran has the depth of
experience and focus that is unparalleled in the Michigan legal market.
We have advocated for our clients at all levels of the Michigan court
system including the Michigan Tax Tribunal, Michigan Circuit Court,
Michigan Court of Claims, Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme
Court.
We have substantial
experience handling all aspects of property tax controversies in
Michigan. We have appeared in property tax matters before governmental
and administrative bodies, including the Michigan Tax Tribunal, the
Michigan Court of Claims, and the Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme
Court.
We have represented a wide variety of clients in property tax matters, including:
- Complete and partial property tax exemptions for hospital properties
- Property tax exemptions for charitable and nonprofit entities
- Negotiated settlements on real
property tax appeals to the Michigan Tax Tribunal various types of
property including: office buildings, medical office buildings, retail
malls, shopping centers, condominiums and marinas.
- Personal property tax appeal of oil pipeline property
- Personal property tax appeal of a steel mill
- Special assessment district of a new sewer line
- Transfer of Industrial Facilities Tax exemption to a purchasing corporation
- Provide statewide service
Our practice in property
taxation demands that we understand real and personal property
appraisal techniques to perform initial evaluations, work effectively
with appraisal experts and potentially negotiate settlements.
We provide a full range
of litigation services designed to bring the case to a successful
conclusion. In particular, we can assist in choosing experts in property
appraisal, architectural design, economics and business valuation. We
have worked with many leading experts based in Michigan and throughout
the country.
We also advise clients
in numerous property tax issues including special assessments, audits,
tax increment financing measures and tax abatement programs for
investments in plant rehabilitation and pollution control.
We represent both
taxpayers and local government (although not on the same cases). Our
experience in representing both sides of property tax controversies
affords us the unique perspective of understanding a property tax
controversy from all angles. Our representation on behalf of
municipalities includes:
- Representation before the Michigan Tax Tribunal
- Consult with the Township about
property tax matters (real and personal property valuation matters,
exemption claims, taxable value computations, uncapping, etc.)
- Consult on the implementation and defense of special assessment districts
- Represent the Township’s interests in §154 appeals and other matters before the State Tax Commission
- Brief and argue property tax appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court
- Represent the Township in property-tax related (e.g., constitutional claims) matters litigated in Michigan circuit courts
- Provide statewide service
Wease Halloran has extensive
litigation and appellate experience with Michigan taxes including the
most common Michigan real and property tax controversies:
- Assessment and Valuation
- Property Classification
- Exemption
- Foreclosure
- Special Assessment
- Transfer & "Uncapping"
- Uniformity
Determining
whether legal counsel is right for you and your matter can only be done
through personal contact. Initial meetings are always in person and
always at no charge.
Ideally, the best time to contact us
is when you first receive notice from the taxing department. Addressing
tax issues early in the audit or administrative appeal process enables
us to provide the best analysis and planning to resolve the issue.
However, we will consult with you at any point in the litigation or
appeals process. Wease Halloran has the depth of experience and focus
that is unparalleled in the Michigan legal market.
Contact Wease Halloran to schedule an appointment to discuss your particular state and local tax matter. |
