These days I find myself having a plethora of conversations with clients regarding the status of property tax appeals. Everyone wants reductions and refunds NOW! Although I can understand the urgency, it is also important to realize that pursuing property tax reductions can take time.

There are many things to consider when estimating the timeframe of a property tax appeal. Can appeals be resolved informally? Does the local/administrative board typically grant reasonable reductions? How big is the reduction being sought? What is the appeal volume/backlog in the jurisdiction? Is it likely that the case will go to court? Is there no chance of the case going to court? These are just a few of the myriad factors that are important to consider regarding the timeframe of an appeal.

I understand that, in the current economy, companies are attempting to achieve savings as fast as possible. However, speed should not be such a driving force that it negatively impacts the result of the appeal.