Is Your Country Club Paying Too Much?

Many golf and country clubs in New York  State pay more than their fair share in property taxes each year.  Confusing tax laws and complex formulas often mask an overinflated assessment for years before a club decides to take action.  Reading a recent tax bill usually won’t explain why club taxes keep rising and, surprisingly, tax bills may sometimes even include false or outdated information.  The local tax system is perplexing to the most experienced club managers: a tax assessment that was set years ago and never increased may today generate a tax burden that is more than double what it should be.

Money that could be reinvested in maintenance and amenities—preserving the value of the club—is instead paid to the taxing authorities and never seen again.  Each year that passes is a lost opportunity to recapture club value through reduced operating costs—a history of overassessments cannot be fixed.  The sooner the process is begun the sooner a club can resolve its overassessment.

Local governments and the courts have limited resources to devote to resolving tax disputes: achieving meaningful tax relief for a country club in New York is typically a very lengthy process that requires the services of a law firm and not merely a “tax consultant”.  The Property Tax Practice Group at Huff Wilkes, LLP represents many of the finest clubs in the region.  We understand the intricacies of the law of real estate valuation and the specialized golf course valuation principles that enable our clients to achieve the full extent of tax relief available.  We know why the market value of a golf course for prospective development is dramatically different from the value calculated by the tax courts.  Our clients—many of whom are represented by sophisticated and experienced club managers or board members, often with substantial real estate experience—are often surprised to learn the extent to which their real property may be overassessed under the unique laws applicable to golf courses in New York State.

Our attorneys are in the tax courts day after day, throughout the year.  We navigate the complex and demanding procedures of the courts and municipal boards to achieve efficient and effective results for our clients.  The Property Tax Practice Group at Huff Wilkes is comprised of attorneys with impressive records as national leaders in the field of property tax and real estate valuation and counseling.  In addition, our attorneys enjoy strong professional working relationships with municipal and court officials throughout the region.

The Property Tax Practice Group will never take a “factory” approach to your case, and ensures that each client’s matter is carefully guided by a Senior Attorney every step of the way.  No legal fees are charged unless and until we achieve a successful result.  Our fee is based only on a percentage of the tax refunds and savings we produce, no matter how much of our firm’s resources are expended in obtaining tax relief; during the time your tax appeal is pending your club is responsible only for nominal court fees and appraisal or expert charges if needed.

To learn more about what Huff Wilkes can do, call David Wilkes at (914) 631-1500, extension 305, or send him an email.  Our consultation is always free of charge, and we will be happy to meet at your club’s facilities.  Please also take a few moments to learn about our firm’s full real estate practice by visiting our Website, at www.huffwilkes.com .