Larry Langdon Law Firm

Larry Langdon Law Firm has been protecting property owners' tax interests in Portola Valley and surrounding Silicon Valley communities for over two decades. Our specialized focus on property tax appeals and assessment challenges has helped hundreds of clients achieve significant reductions in their annual tax burdens. We understand that property taxes represent one of your largest annual expenses, often increasing faster than income or property appreciation. Our team combines deep knowledge of California assessment law with local market expertise to identify overassessments and build compelling cases for reduction. We've successfully handled everything from residential appeals to complex commercial valuations.

Our property tax practice centers on comprehensive assessment reviews and strategic appeal processes. We begin each case with a thorough analysis of your property's assessed value compared to market conditions and comparable sales data. This foundation allows us to identify potential overassessments and quantify realistic tax savings opportunities. We handle all aspects of the appeal process, from initial county assessment board hearings to State Board of Equalization proceedings when necessary. Our services extend beyond simple appeals to include new construction valuations, Proposition 8 temporary reductions for declining property values, and business personal property assessments. We also provide ongoing monitoring services to catch future assessment errors before they compound. For commercial properties, we offer detailed income and expense analyses to support income approach valuations. Our team maintains current certifications and regularly attends continuing education to stay current with evolving tax law and assessment methodologies.

Our appeal process begins with a complimentary property assessment to determine if you have grounds for a successful challenge. We analyze recent comparable sales, review assessment methodology, and identify any errors in property characteristics or valuation approaches. If we proceed, we gather comprehensive evidence including professional appraisals when necessary, comparable market data, and documentation of any property defects or market conditions affecting value. We prepare and file all required paperwork within strict deadlines, represent you at hearings, and negotiate with county assessors to achieve the best possible outcome. Throughout the process, we keep you informed but handle all administrative details ourselves.

We serve property owners throughout San Mateo County, with particular concentration in Portola Valley, Woodside, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Los Altos Hills. Our team's intimate knowledge of Peninsula real estate markets and assessment practices gives us a distinct advantage in these high-value communities. We also handle select cases in Santa Clara County and San Francisco.