Gunderson Dettmer

Gunderson Dettmer's property tax practice serves the complex needs of commercial real estate owners, technology companies, and high-net-worth individuals throughout the Bay Area. Our specialized tax team brings decades of combined experience in assessment appeals, valuation disputes, and strategic tax planning for sophisticated property portfolios. We understand that property taxes significantly impact investment returns and operating costs for our business clients. Our approach combines legal expertise with financial analysis to identify opportunities for tax reduction while ensuring compliance with California's complex assessment regulations. We've successfully handled appeals for properties ranging from corporate campuses to industrial facilities.

Our comprehensive property tax services include assessment appeals at all levels, from county assessment appeals boards to the State Board of Equalization and superior court when necessary. We provide detailed valuation analyses using all three approaches to value - cost, sales comparison, and income capitalization - to build compelling cases for reduction. Our team handles Proposition 8 decline-in-value applications, new construction valuations, and change-in-ownership base year value establishments. For technology companies, we specialize in business personal property assessments covering computer equipment, software, and specialized technology assets. We also provide ongoing assessment monitoring and strategic planning to minimize future tax exposure. Our services extend to tax increment financing district formations, assessment district proceedings, and Mello-Roos community facilities district matters. For portfolio owners, we offer comprehensive multi-property assessment management and coordinated appeal strategies across multiple jurisdictions throughout California.

We begin each engagement with a comprehensive analysis of your property portfolio to identify assessment vulnerabilities and opportunities for tax reduction. Our team reviews current assessments against market data, comparable sales, and income potential to quantify potential savings. We prepare detailed evidence packages including professional appraisals, market studies, and financial analyses to support our valuation conclusions. Our attorneys handle all aspects of the formal appeal process, from filing deadlines through hearing presentations and settlement negotiations. We maintain detailed case management systems to track multiple appeals and ensure no deadlines are missed. Throughout the process, we provide regular status updates and strategic advice on timing and approach.

We serve clients throughout California with particular concentration in the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Francisco counties. Our Redwood City location provides convenient access to Peninsula and South Bay clients, while our statewide practice allows us to handle appeals for multi-location businesses and investment portfolios across California. We regularly appear before assessment appeals boards throughout the state.