California - Deflation Spurs Tax Reductions

For the first time in 30 years, California is reporting
deflation rather than inflation. As a result, many property owners will see a slight reduction in their property taxes. However, the tax savings will be minimal – about $2.60 for every $100,000 in assessed value.

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Colorado - Unintended Consequences of the Gallagher Amendment

A new study on Colorado's Gallagher Amendment finds
it has led to higher taxes on commercial and industrial property. Under Gallagher, commercial/industrial property is responsible for 55% and residential property pays 45% of the total state property tax burden.
Through the years, as the number and value of residential properties has risen, the residential property assessment ratio has dropped, leaving commercial and industrial property owners carrying more and more of
the tax burden.

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Houston Hotels Face Tough Times

Rates determining Revenues per Available Room (RevPAR) dropped almost 43% late last year in the Houston area. As it turns out, the loss of business is hurting taxing jurisdictions just as much as hotel owners, adding pressure on the assessors to maintain higher property tax values. In this challenging market, owners must ensure that their property’s assessed value reflects the downturn so they don’t overpay their taxes.

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Tennessee - New Owners Can File
Amended PP Returns

A ruling from the Tennessee Assessment Appeals Commission clears up some previous problems in
the law. The ruling says new owners of a company
have the same rights as original owners to file
amended returns and correct errors in order to receive refunds for tax overpayments.

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Wisconsin DOR Proposes
Assessment Change

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is proposing that real property be assessed at the county level rather than by each municipality. Proponents say the change would make the system more fair, accurate and efficient.