Gilfix & La Poll Associates

Gilfix & La Poll Associates brings over 40 years of combined expertise to property tax consulting in Palo Alto and the greater Bay Area. Our multidisciplinary approach combines estate planning, elder law, and property tax expertise to provide comprehensive solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families facing complex assessment challenges. We understand that property tax issues often intersect with broader estate and financial planning concerns. Our integrated approach ensures that property tax strategies align with your overall wealth preservation goals, particularly important for clients with substantial real estate holdings in one of the country's most expensive markets.

Our property tax practice encompasses formal appeals, assessment reviews, and strategic tax planning for residential and commercial properties. We specialize in complex scenarios involving trust-owned properties, estate transitions, and properties with unique valuation challenges. Our services include preparing and presenting comprehensive appeals to the Assessment Appeals Board, negotiating with county assessors, and handling decline-in-value applications. We also provide proactive assessment monitoring and strategic guidance for property improvements and acquisitions. For clients with multiple properties, we offer portfolio-wide tax minimization strategies. Additionally, we handle specialized issues like Proposition 13 transfers, assessment of properties with development restrictions, and coordination with estate planning to minimize long-term property tax exposure across generations.

We begin with a thorough assessment of both your property tax situation and broader financial planning goals. Our team conducts detailed market analysis and legal review to identify appeal opportunities and potential strategies. We coordinate with certified appraisers and other experts as needed to build comprehensive cases. Throughout the appeal process, we maintain clear communication and ensure all deadlines are met. Our approach emphasizes negotiation and alternative dispute resolution when possible, while being fully prepared for formal hearings when necessary.

We serve clients throughout the San Francisco Peninsula, with primary focus on Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, and surrounding high-value communities. Our expertise in Peninsula real estate markets and local assessment practices provides significant advantages for clients in these areas. We selectively handle cases throughout the Bay Area when they align with our specialized expertise.