Phillips Nizer LLP

Phillips Nizer’s Property Tax practitioners, in conjunction with Real Estate, Land Use and Government Relations and Litigation teams, as well as other practice groups in the firm, have experience in handling tax applications and proceedings for all types of properties including residential, commercial, and special franchise. We have obtained substantial reductions in assessed values for developers, property owners and managers of commercial, retail and residential buildings. Our practitioners have substantial experience in negotiating reductions in assessed value before the New York City Tax Commission, New York City Law Department and various Courts both in and outside of the City. In addition, we have handled applications for real property tax exemptions with the New York City Department of Finance, Department of Housing Preservation and Development, Economic Development Corporation, and the Industrial Development Agency.

Real estate tax certiorari is the legal process by which a property owner can challenge the real estate tax assessment on a given property in attempt to reduce the property’s assessment and real estate taxes. Although many real estate developers, owners and managers in New York City are familiar with real estate tax certiorari proceedings, not all take advantage of the opportunity afforded by this legal process which is usually handled by our firm on a contingency basis. Our attorneys have written extensively and have lectured publicly on real estate tax certiorari and exemption matters.

The following are examples of the types of matters previously handled by our tax certiorari practitioners:

• Tax Certiorari reductions for numerous commercial properties in New York City, including a $1.5 million tax refund for a Manhattan office building;

• Tax exemption application for a large New York City non-profit institution pursuant to Section 420A of the Real Property Tax Law;

• Tax exemption applications for various types of development projects, including an ICIP exemption for a $600 million development of a power plant in Astoria, Queens;

• Pretrial settlement of tax certiorari proceedings involving a regional shopping center in Brooklyn, New York which resulted in some of the largest real estate tax credits in New York City history, totaling millions of dollars;

At Phillips Nizer LLP, we value the diverse and unique perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and characteristics of each person in our firm, including his or her race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, culture, age, gender and sexual orientation, and we are committed to policies that extend equal opportunities to all.  We recognize that diversity promotes justice and is an important element in our professional growth. 

Our guiding principle, the resourceful representation of our clients, is enhanced by an atmosphere of inclusion.  We best serve the wide range and values of our clients and fulfill our professional obligations by supporting and strengthening our commitment to diversity. 

Our Diversity Committee reviews our existing policies and practices (including recruitment, promotions, training, seminars, continuing legal education and pro bono opportunities) and identifies and explores new and different means of ensuring that they are consistent with and advance our diversity goals.  Our Diversity Committee includes members of our Executive Committee and other respected professionals of various backgrounds who are dedicated to our objectives.