Property Tax Consulting Services

From BCS Real Estate

Benjamin Franklin once wrote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Although taxes may be certain, it is important that you are paying the right amount. Assessed values and property classification affect your property taxes. If either is incorrect, you may pay too much tax.

At BCS Real Estate, we have a dedicated team of property tax experts. Our proprietary three-step process saves our clients’ money in excess property taxes. We evaluate your property at three stages to ensure you are not paying more tax than you should. In 2015 our clients saved over Two-Million Dollars in property taxes either through assessment reductions or by having properties re-classified.

What we Review: The Four Dimensional Approach

Property Tax values are complex. The assessors cannot possibly examine each property individually, and use averages and trends to ultimately determine assessed value and property classification. We examine four aspects of your property, and check these aspects against your assessment.

Physical Characteristics:

We ensure that the characteristics described on the assessment are accurate. Double checking the square footage of the land or building is one example.

Actual Value:

We look at the market evidence to determine if the assessed value is close to the market value based on similar properties in similar areas.

Equity Value:

Using our extensive rents data base, we look at the equity value of a property and compare it with similar properties. This allows us to use ‘Cap Rate’ comparisons to determine if an appeal is warranted.

Classification Review:

We look at the classification of the property to determine if there is a basis of appeal based on classification. This is a specialised approach which, when successful, results in substantial tax savings.

When We Review: The importance of timing

The Pre Roll Assessment

The best way to fix a problem is to address the issue early. When you receive your property tax assessment and you think it is high, just let us know. We begin by strategically positioning your property for future valuations, followed by pre roll negotiations. We investigate your situation and provide you an opinion of the fairness of your assessment. If the assessment seems high, we present a logical and reasoned case on your behalf to the appropriate assessment authorities. It is in their best interests to make adjustments at the pre roll stage as municipal governments have yet to assign a mill rate to property owners. We often save you money before you get your property tax bill by addressing assessment issues early.

Annual Tax Review

Each January, we open hundreds of files on our client’s behalf. Sometimes, our review reveals that the tax bill is fair and reasonable. This gives you the assurance that you are being treated fairly by the BC Assessment Authority. If we feel there is a case, we let you know and proceed to the next part of the process.

Tax Negotiation

BCS Tax has excellent relationships with the tax authorities. We present a well-reasoned case and are often able to reduce your tax liability simply through negotiation. In this process, there are no hearings. Our success comes from our well reasoned, well prepared arguments and our reputation for facts and accuracy.

Appeal Services

In the event we cannot negotiate a settlement, we represent you throughout the appeals process. We present your case to the appeals board and attempt to find the reductions to your tax situation. We are well prepared, and we know the factors likely to affect the adjudicator’s decision. In the event you use a judicial review, we work with your legal team to affect desired results.

From start to finish, we provide the best property tax planning available in Western Canada. Tax planning for investments or for development is available through our tax associates.