Heisser and McFadden

Heisser and McFadden is a Los Angeles tax firm that's built a steady reputation for practical, results-focused property tax work. The firm combines tax services with tax law, which means clients get both the analytical foundation and the legal representation when an appeal goes to a formal hearing. For property owners who want someone who understands the numbers and can actually argue the case, this firm covers both sides. What sets them apart is the honest, upfront approach to case evaluation. They're not trying to push every property through the appeal process to generate fees. The team looks at each parcel on its own merits, compares it against real market data, and tells clients what they think the realistic outcome is. That candor saves clients time and money even when it means recommending against filing. It's also why clients tend to trust the firm's judgment when they do recommend moving forward.

Heisser and McFadden offers property tax services that cover the full cycle of assessment review and appeal. The firm starts with a property analysis phase, reviewing the assessor's current valuation against market data to identify whether an appeal is likely to succeed before any filing is recommended. That evaluation step keeps clients from spending time and money on weak cases. For properties that justify a challenge, the firm handles formal appeal filings with the county Assessment Appeals Board, manages the evidence gathering process, and provides representation at hearings. They work with both residential homeowners and commercial property owners, including office buildings, retail properties, apartment complexes, and industrial sites. In addition to formal appeals, Heisser and McFadden assists clients with decline-in-value petitions when market conditions have pushed current values below the assessed amount. They also advise on the tax implications of ownership transfers, including situations where Proposition 13 exclusions might preserve a low base year value. For clients with ongoing property tax compliance questions, the firm provides general tax consulting services that cover property tax in the broader context of state and federal tax obligations. This is especially useful for investors and business owners who own real property as part of a larger portfolio and want a single firm that can see the full picture.

The first step is a no-obligation case review. Heisser and McFadden looks at your current assessed value, recent sales activity in your area, and any prior appeal history to determine whether you have a viable case. They give you a clear recommendation rather than a vague answer. If you decide to move forward, the firm takes over the administrative side entirely. They prepare and file the appeal application with the county, manage deadline tracking, and begin assembling the evidence package. For residential cases, that typically means comparable sales data. For commercial properties, it includes income and expense records as well. Hearings before the Assessment Appeals Board are scheduled by the county and can be months away from the filing date. While you wait, the firm handles any correspondence from the assessor's office and keeps you informed. At the hearing, they present your case and respond to the assessor's evidence. If the appeal results in a reduction, the county adjusts your assessed value and issues a refund for any taxes paid above the corrected amount. The firm explains the refund timeline and what to expect in your next property tax bill.

Heisser and McFadden primarily serves property owners throughout Los Angeles County, including Downtown LA, the Westside, the San Fernando Valley, the South Bay, and the San Gabriel Valley. The firm works with clients in both high-value and mid-range markets, from single-family homes to commercial buildings. They handle properties across LA's diverse neighborhoods and can evaluate cases in neighboring counties on a case-by-case basis.