Covington & Burling

Covington & Burling's tax practice includes a dedicated property tax team that serves major corporations and institutions throughout Washington, DC. This prestigious international law firm brings sophisticated analytical capabilities to complex property tax matters, particularly for high-value commercial and institutional properties. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies, real estate investment trusts, and nonprofit organizations. The firm's property tax group works closely with their real estate and corporate tax attorneys to provide comprehensive advice on property tax implications of acquisitions, development projects, and ongoing operations. They have particular expertise in handling appeals for unique properties like hotels, hospitals, and mixed-use developments where standard valuation approaches may not apply.

Covington & Burling provides sophisticated property tax services primarily for large commercial and institutional clients. Their team handles complex assessment appeals involving properties worth tens of millions of dollars, using advanced economic analysis and expert testimony. They specialize in challenging assessments on specialized properties including data centers, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and hotel properties. The firm offers comprehensive property tax planning services, advising on the tax implications of property acquisitions, dispositions, and development projects. They provide ongoing compliance support and assessment monitoring for large property portfolios. Their services include representing clients in administrative appeals, negotiating with tax authorities, and handling litigation when necessary. The team also provides specialized services for tax-exempt organizations, helping hospitals, universities, and other nonprofits maintain their property tax exemptions and handle any challenges from local authorities.

Engagement begins with a comprehensive analysis of your property portfolio and assessment challenges. The team conducts detailed financial and market analysis, often engaging specialized valuation experts and economists to support complex cases. They develop comprehensive strategies that consider not just immediate appeal opportunities but long-term tax planning objectives. For formal appeals, the firm prepares extensive documentation packages including expert reports, economic analyses, and legal briefs. They handle all aspects of the appeals process, from initial filings through administrative hearings and any subsequent litigation. Throughout the engagement, clients receive regular strategic updates and detailed reporting on case progress and outcomes.

Covington & Burling serves clients throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area, including properties in Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Their practice extends nationally for clients with multi-state property portfolios. In DC, they handle properties in all quadrants and have particular experience with downtown commercial districts, federal government properties, and institutional facilities. The firm's national reach allows them to coordinate property tax strategies across multiple states and jurisdictions for large corporate clients.