Fisher & Phillips

Property Tax Consultant in Birmingham, Michigan

(248) 540-8019300 Park St, Ste 370, Birmingham, MI 48009View on Yelp

About Fisher & Phillips

Fisher & Phillips operates one of Michigan's most comprehensive property tax practices from their Birmingham office, serving high-value residential and commercial property owners throughout the metropolitan Detroit area. Their team of attorneys and certified assessors brings decades of combined experience in property tax law, assessment methodology, and municipal finance. They've successfully challenged assessments worth over $2 billion in total value. The firm's approach combines legal expertise with deep technical knowledge of property valuation and assessment practices. They handle everything from routine residential appeals to complex commercial cases involving specialized property types. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies, real estate investment firms, and affluent homeowners seeking sophisticated representation in property tax matters.

Services

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Tax Law

How They Can Help

Fisher & Phillips provides comprehensive assessment appeals covering all property types, from luxury residences to industrial complexes and specialized facilities like hospitals and hotels. Their residential practice includes homestead exemption applications, senior citizen exemptions, and appeals for properties affected by environmental issues or unusual circumstances that impact value. Their commercial services span initial assessment reviews, formal appeals through all levels of Michigan's system, and ongoing assessment monitoring for large property portfolios. The firm maintains a full-service approach including property valuation services, expert witness testimony, and consultation on property tax implications for mergers, acquisitions, and development projects. They also handle personal property tax appeals for business equipment and machinery, often overlooked areas where significant savings are possible. Their attorneys regularly appear before the Michigan Tax Tribunal and Court of Appeals, bringing sophisticated legal strategies to complex cases.

What to Expect

Initial consultation involves a comprehensive property analysis performed by their team of attorneys and assessment professionals. They review your property's assessment history, analyze comparable sales data, and identify potential grounds for appeal. Their detailed case evaluation includes probability of success estimates and projected savings ranges before you commit to representation. Once engaged, Fisher & Phillips assigns a dedicated team including a lead attorney and valuation specialist to your case. They handle all aspects of the appeal process, from evidence gathering and expert report preparation to hearing representation and post-decision follow-up. Their systematic approach includes regular client updates, detailed documentation of all proceedings, and strategic recommendations for future tax planning.

Service Area

Fisher & Phillips serves clients throughout Michigan with primary focus on Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties. Their Birmingham location provides convenient access to southeastern Michigan's most valuable residential and commercial properties. They also handle selected cases statewide for significant commercial properties and provide consultation services to out-of-state property owners with Michigan holdings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of properties does Fisher & Phillips typically handle?
The firm handles all property types but specializes in high-value residential properties over $500,000 and commercial properties of all sizes. They're particularly effective with unique properties requiring specialized valuation expertise.
How does your fee structure work for property tax appeals?
They offer contingency fees for most appeals, typically 25-35% of first-year tax savings. Commercial cases may involve hybrid arrangements combining contingency and hourly billing depending on complexity and potential savings.
Can you handle appeals for properties outside Oakland County?
Yes, Fisher & Phillips handles appeals throughout Michigan and provides consultation for out-of-state owners with Michigan properties. Their statewide experience includes familiarity with different county assessment practices.
What's your typical success rate for property tax appeals?
The firm achieves successful reductions in over 85% of appeals they accept. Average reductions range from 20-30% for residential properties, often higher for commercial properties with assessment errors.
Do you provide ongoing assessment monitoring services?
Yes, they offer annual monitoring services for commercial portfolios and high-value residential properties. This includes automatic review of new assessments and recommendations for appeals when beneficial.
How long does the appeals process typically take?
Simple appeals may resolve in 3-6 months at the Board of Review level. Complex cases requiring Michigan Tax Tribunal proceedings can take 12-18 months, especially with expert witnesses and detailed valuation disputes.
What evidence strengthens a property tax appeal?
Strong appeals rely on recent comparable sales, property condition documentation, income data for commercial properties, and expert valuation reports. Fisher & Phillips coordinates all evidence gathering and expert witness preparation.
Is it worth appealing if my assessment only increased slightly?
Even small assessment errors can justify appeals for high-value properties where tax amounts are substantial. The firm evaluates each case's cost-benefit ratio before recommending whether to proceed.

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