Todd & Johnson

Property Tax Consultant in Columbia, South Carolina

(803) 252-1500609 Sims Ave, Columbia, SC 29205View on Yelp

About Todd & Johnson

Todd & Johnson has served Columbia families and businesses for over three decades with focused expertise in property tax matters. The firm's intimate knowledge of Richland County assessment practices and local market conditions provides clients with strategic advantages in appeal proceedings. Their personalized approach means every client works directly with experienced attorneys rather than support staff. The practice has built its reputation on honest assessments and realistic expectations. They won't take cases simply to collect fees, instead focusing on appeals with legitimate potential for tax reductions. This selective approach has earned them respect among local assessors and favorable outcomes for clients. Their long-standing presence in Columbia provides institutional memory of assessment trends and successful strategies across different market cycles.

Services

Estate Planning Law
Tax Law

How They Can Help

Todd & Johnson provides comprehensive property tax consulting with emphasis on thorough case preparation and strategic presentation. Their services begin with detailed property inspections and market analysis to identify assessment discrepancies. They specialize in residential appeals, particularly for properties in established neighborhoods where assessments may not reflect current market conditions. For commercial clients, they focus on smaller to mid-sized properties including office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Their approach emphasizes practical valuation methods and clear presentation of market evidence. The firm also handles agricultural use applications, homestead exemptions, and special assessment programs available to qualifying properties. Additional services include pre-purchase assessment reviews for real estate buyers, annual assessment monitoring, and consultation on property improvements that might affect future valuations. They maintain working relationships with local appraisers and can coordinate independent valuations when cases require additional professional support.

What to Expect

Your relationship begins with a complimentary consultation where they review your assessment, recent comparable sales, and property characteristics. The attorneys personally examine your property and research relevant market data to determine appeal potential. They provide honest assessments about likely outcomes and associated costs. If you proceed, they prepare comprehensive appeal documentation including property analysis, comparable sales studies, and supporting evidence. The firm handles all filing requirements and maintains regular communication throughout the process. They represent clients at county hearings and work to achieve reasonable settlements through negotiation when possible. Their hands-on approach means clients deal directly with attorneys who understand local conditions and maintain personal relationships with assessment officials.

Service Area

Todd & Johnson primarily serves Richland County including Columbia, Forest Acres, and surrounding communities. Their deep local knowledge focuses on neighborhoods and property types within their primary service area. They occasionally handle cases in adjacent counties when circumstances warrant their specific expertise or for long-standing clients with properties in multiple locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you determine if my case is worth pursuing?
They analyze recent comparable sales, examine your property's characteristics, and review assessment methodology to determine potential for reduction. They only take cases with realistic prospects for meaningful savings.
What's the difference between assessed value and market value?
Assessed value is what the county uses for tax calculations, while market value reflects what your property might sell for. Assessed values should approximate market value but often lag behind market changes.
Can appealing my taxes result in a higher assessment?
Generally no - South Carolina law protects against assessment increases during appeals unless you've made significant improvements or there were obvious errors in your favor.
How often can I appeal my property taxes?
You can appeal annually if you have grounds, but repeated appeals without new evidence or changed circumstances are less likely to succeed.
What exemptions might I qualify for?
Common exemptions include homestead exemptions for primary residences, agricultural use for qualifying rural properties, and special exemptions for seniors or disabled property owners.
Do I need an appraisal to appeal my taxes?
Not necessarily - the firm can often build strong cases using comparable sales and market analysis. Independent appraisals help in some cases but aren't always required.
What happens at the county hearing?
Hearings are typically informal proceedings where both sides present evidence about property value. The firm handles all presentation and argument on your behalf.
How long does the appeal process take?
Most appeals resolve within 3-6 months from filing, though complex cases or those requiring additional hearings may take longer.

Think Your Property Is Over-Assessed?

TaxFightBack analyzes your assessment, finds comparable sales, and generates a complete appeal packet for your county. The average user saves $1,500 per year.

Analyze My Assessment

Other Property Tax Consultants in Columbia

Nearby Cities with Property Tax Consultants

TaxFightBack
Start My Appeal