Gross McGinley Presents Realtor Seminar on Tax Assessment Appeals
On January 19, 2018, Gross McGinley’s Real Estate Group presented a Realtor seminar on tax assessment appeals for the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® membership. Attorneys Jack Gross, Sam Cohen, and Sarah Murray presented on the growing trend in Pennsylvania, where school districts are systematically initiating tax assessment appeals against certain classes of properties – commercial properties in particular. While this type of targeting ahs been deemed unconstitiutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, it is important that Realtors understand to what their clients are lawfully obligated and when their clients may be able to challenge assessments.
Sarah kicked off the Realtor seminar by reviewing the tax assessment process and the differences in procedures and fees between counties. Sam followed up with a review of the now famous Valley Forge case as well as pending and future legislation that may follow. Jack concluded the presentation by providing guidance on how Realtors can best prepare and evaluate their clients’ situations when a tax assessment appeal is made against their property. Having handled quite a few tax assessment appeals on behalf of property owners, the attorneys offered some real-world examples on the different approaches and outcomes of these matters in different counties.
Jack Gross is an experienced real estate attorney, assisting commercial and residential real estate acquisition, leasing, and financing. He regularly counsels clients with holdings that range from large and diverse real estate portfolios to individual investors.
Sam Cohen is a commercial litigator, representing clients before state and federal courts as well as various municipal boards and authorities.
Sarah Murray has extensive knowledge in commercial and residential real estate transactions and land development. She is equipped to handle land use and zoning matters and formerly sat as the Assistant Solicitor for a zoning hearing board.
