Mazzotta, Sherwood & Vagianelis

Mazzotta, Sherwood & Vagianelis brings decades of combined experience to property tax consulting in Albany and surrounding areas. Their team specializes in challenging property assessments for both residential homeowners and commercial property owners who believe they're paying too much in taxes. The firm takes a data-driven approach to property tax appeals, analyzing market conditions, comparable sales, and assessment methodologies to build strong cases. They've successfully reduced property tax burdens for hundreds of clients across upstate New York, from single-family homes to large commercial complexes. Their attorneys understand the nuances of New York's property tax system and work directly with local assessors and review boards to achieve favorable outcomes.

The practice offers comprehensive property tax consulting services including assessment reviews, formal tax appeals, and valuation analysis. They handle residential property tax protests for homeowners who've seen dramatic increases in their assessments or believe their property is overvalued compared to similar homes in the area. For commercial clients, they provide in-depth analysis of complex properties including office buildings, retail centers, industrial facilities, and multi-family housing. Their commercial property tax services include income approach valuations, expense analysis, and market rent studies. The firm also assists with STAR exemption applications, senior citizen exemptions, and veterans' exemptions. Additional services include assessment dispute mediation, Board of Assessment Review hearings, and court proceedings when necessary. They maintain relationships with certified appraisers and can coordinate independent property valuations to support appeals. The team stays current on assessment trends and tax law changes that could impact clients' property tax obligations.

The consultation process begins with a comprehensive property assessment review where attorneys analyze your current assessment against comparable properties and market data. They'll explain whether you have grounds for an appeal and estimate potential savings. If proceeding with an appeal, they gather supporting documentation including recent sales data, property condition reports, and relevant market studies. The team prepares and files all necessary paperwork with the appropriate authorities, whether that's the local Board of Assessment Review or higher appellate bodies. Throughout the process, they keep clients informed of progress and handle all communications with assessors and hearing officers. Most cases are resolved through negotiation, but they're prepared to present evidence at formal hearings when needed.

Mazzotta, Sherwood & Vagianelis serves property owners throughout the Capital District including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Rensselaer counties. They also handle cases in surrounding areas of upstate New York where their expertise in state property tax law provides value to clients facing assessment challenges.