Property Tax Audit
A property tax audit is a process of collecting and verifying data related to the taxability, location, and assessed value of property for property tax purposes. It may involve a physical inspection of the property and an examination of ownership, occupancy, rental, and accounting records. Many businesses are significantly over-assessed — and overpaying — without ever knowing it.
What Is a Property Tax Audit?
Property taxes are assessed by state and local taxing authorities based on the estimated value of real and personal property owned by a business. These assessments are not always accurate — and the burden of proving an incorrect assessment falls on the property owner.
A property tax audit conducted by an independent firm reviews your current assessments, compares them against market data and comparable properties, and identifies where you are being overcharged. The goal is to reduce your property tax liability through formal appeals and negotiation with the taxing authority.
Types of Property Subject to Tax
Real Property
Land and permanently attached structures, including commercial buildings, warehouses, office space, and industrial facilities.
Business Personal Property
Tangible assets used in a business — furniture, fixtures, equipment, machinery, computers, and inventory in some states.
Leasehold Improvements
Improvements made to leased space that may be assessed separately from the base property depending on jurisdiction.
Special-Use Property
Properties with unique characteristics — hotels, restaurants, medical facilities, and data centers — that require specialized valuation methods.
What's Involved in a Property Tax Audit?
Data Collection & Review
We gather your current assessment notices, prior-year tax bills, lease agreements, depreciation schedules, and any prior appeal records.
Property Inspection
A physical review of the property is conducted to identify condition issues, functional obsolescence, or characteristics that reduce value.
Market Analysis
We analyze comparable sales, income data, and replacement cost estimates to determine the fair market value of your property.
Assessment Comparison
The assessed value is compared against our independent valuation. Where a significant discrepancy exists, we build the case for appeal.
Appeal Filing
We prepare and file a formal appeal with the appropriate taxing authority, including all supporting documentation and valuation evidence.
Negotiation & Resolution
We represent your interests through the appeals process — negotiating directly with assessors and attending hearings as needed to achieve a reduction.
Who Should Consider a Property Tax Audit?
A property tax audit is particularly valuable for businesses that:
- Own or lease commercial real estate in multiple jurisdictions
- Have not appealed their property tax assessment in the past 2–3 years
- Have experienced a decline in property value, occupancy, or revenue
- Recently purchased property and believe the assessed value is too high
- Own specialized or unique property that is difficult to value accurately
- Have significant business personal property on their tax rolls
Why Work With Chambers & Company?
- We conduct a no-cost preliminary review to determine if a reduction opportunity exists.
- We work on a contingency basis — our fee is a percentage of the tax savings we achieve.
- We handle the entire appeals process so you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy.
- We can review multiple years and jurisdictions simultaneously.
- Savings are ongoing — a successful appeal reduces your tax bill every year going forward.