Burr & Forman

Burr & Forman's Wilmington office brings the resources of a major regional law firm to Delaware property tax matters. Our tax and real estate teams collaborate to provide comprehensive property tax consulting services for both individual property owners and large commercial clients. The firm's deep bench allows us to handle complex multi-property appeals and sophisticated valuation disputes. Our property tax practice benefits from the firm's broader real estate and business law expertise, enabling us to address tax implications of transactions, developments, and property improvements. We represent clients ranging from individual homeowners to major commercial property owners, REITs, and industrial companies throughout Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Assessment appeals represent our core property tax service, with teams dedicated to both residential and commercial properties. For commercial clients, we provide comprehensive valuation analysis including income approach disputes, highest and best use challenges, and assessment methodology reviews. Our industrial property expertise covers manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and specialized-use properties with unique valuation challenges. Residential services include single-family home appeals, condominium assessment disputes, and luxury property valuations. We handle properties with environmental issues, deed restrictions, or historic designations that affect value. Our team provides proactive assessment monitoring for large property portfolios and multi-year appeal strategies for properties in assessment transition. Additional services include tax exemption applications, property tax planning for new developments, and legislative advocacy on assessment reform issues. We also provide due diligence support for property acquisitions, analyzing potential tax liabilities and appeal opportunities before transactions close.

Our process begins with comprehensive portfolio analysis for multi-property clients or detailed individual property review for single-property appeals. We conduct thorough due diligence including assessment record analysis, comparable sales research, and property condition evaluation. Initial strategy sessions outline appeal prospects, timing considerations, and fee arrangements. Appeal preparation involves assembling teams of attorneys, appraisers, and experts as needed for complex properties. We prepare detailed evidence packages and coordinate with clients on property access and documentation requirements. All appeals are filed within statutory deadlines with comprehensive supporting documentation. Negotiation and hearing representation utilize our litigation experience and relationships with local assessors. We keep clients informed throughout the process and provide strategic advice on settlement offers. Post-appeal services include monitoring future assessments and implementing tax planning strategies to optimize ongoing tax positions.

We serve clients throughout Delaware with primary offices in Wilmington. Our statewide practice covers all three counties with particular strength in New Castle County's commercial markets. The firm's regional presence extends our capabilities to multi-state property tax matters for clients with properties in surrounding states including Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.