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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
    • Family Law
    • Estate Planning
    • Probate & Estate Administration
    • Trust Administration
    • Elder Law
    • Real Estate Law
    • Insurance Defense
  • Attorney Referrals
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

Don’t miss the deadline for commercial property tax appeals

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 11, 2020 | Business & Corporate Law |

Property taxes are a major expense for business owners. They can also be a source of major headaches. Overvaluations cost commercial property owners thousands or even millions of dollars. With so much at stake, it’s well worth considering an appeal if you have reason to believe your property has been over-assessed.

Understanding the timeline

Commercial and industrial property tax assessments in Michigan are based on the State Equalized Value (SEV), which amounts to half of the property’s “true cash value” as of December 31 each year. “True cash value” means the amount the property would fetch in an arms-length transaction.

Michigan property owners receive assessment notices in February. The deadline for filing an appeal with the Michigan Tax Tribunal is May 31. That means you have only a few months to conduct the often complex analysis of whether to appeal.

When to consider an appeal

Any number of conditions may justify pursuing an appeal. Even if the assessment itself hasn’t increased, a challenge may still be warranted due to factors such as:

· Changes in income or expenses

· Depressed market conditions (as of December 31)

· Change in property classification

· Change in the property’s use or condition

· Lack of uniformity among assessments of similar properties

· Disputes over whether an “uncapping” transfer or sale occurred (which resets the SEV)

Valuing properties is not an exact science. There are multiple methods for conducting valuations, and appraisers often differ in their opinions and conclusions. Appeals often come down to the strength of expert evidence on each side.

Preparing a strong appeal takes time. Don’t wait until the deadline to start weighing this important decision.

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or...

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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Address

37887 W 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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248-987-4040
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