Perkins Coie

Perkins Coie's property tax practice brings big-firm resources and expertise to complex assessment challenges throughout the Bay Area. Our team combines decades of California property tax experience with cutting-edge valuation techniques to secure meaningful reductions for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to high-net-worth individuals. Based in Palo Alto, we understand the unique assessment challenges facing Silicon Valley property owners. From tech campuses requiring specialized valuation approaches to luxury residential properties affected by market volatility, we provide sophisticated legal strategies backed by comprehensive market analysis. Our track record includes some of the largest property tax settlements in California history.

Our property tax services encompass the full spectrum of assessment challenges and strategic tax planning. We handle complex commercial appeals involving specialized properties like data centers, R&D facilities, and corporate campuses that require unique valuation approaches. Our residential services focus on high-value properties where standard assessment methods may not capture market realities. We provide comprehensive Proposition 13 planning, including base year value transfers and new construction strategies that minimize long-term tax exposure. Our team excels at business personal property appeals, particularly for technology companies with significant equipment and intellectual property assets. We also handle assessment appeals for special-use properties including hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities. Beyond individual appeals, we provide portfolio-wide assessment reviews for clients with multiple properties, identifying systematic opportunities for reduction. Our services include expert witness testimony, negotiation with county assessors, and representation before Assessment Appeals Boards throughout California. We also provide ongoing compliance and monitoring services to prevent assessment errors before they occur.

Our approach begins with comprehensive due diligence, analyzing assessment history, market conditions, and property characteristics to identify optimal appeal strategies. We assemble multidisciplinary teams including certified appraisers, economists, and industry specialists to build compelling cases. Our preparation process involves extensive market research, property inspections, and financial analysis to develop strong evidentiary support. We manage all procedural requirements and deadlines while maintaining regular client communication throughout the process. For complex cases, we employ advanced valuation modeling and economic analysis that can withstand rigorous scrutiny. Our experienced litigators handle hearings and negotiations with skill and professionalism that consistently produces favorable outcomes.

We serve clients throughout California with particular depth in the Bay Area, including Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, and San Francisco counties. Our Palo Alto location provides convenient access to Silicon Valley clients while our statewide capabilities allow us to handle appeals anywhere in California. We frequently represent clients with national property portfolios requiring coordinated strategies across multiple jurisdictions.