FAQ

Can we help?

I THINK MY PROPERTY TAX BILL IS HIGH. IF I ENGAGE TESTUDO, WILL YOU APPEAL THE VALUE?

With client support, Testudo pursues the strategies which will result in the lowest just and reasonable taxes, while ensuring your compliance with reporting and other standards. If the current taxable value is arguably higher than it should be, Testudo will vigorously investigate and pursue the value reduction strategy. However, if the value is fair and reasonable, a value appeal may not be the best strategy to reduce your taxes. Depending on your jurisdiction, a value appeal may not even be permitted this year. Other strategies to pursue may be the correction of errors in the property record, applying for exemptions, and auditing the tax bill itself for errors.

DOES TESTUDO PROVIDE PROPERTY TAX SERVICES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY?

No. Testudo Management provides property tax services to industrial and commercial properties, whether owner-occupied or leased for investment purposes.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ENGAGE TESTUDO MANAGEMENT TO REDUCE TAXES OR ENSURE COMPLIANCE?

Right away. Don't wait for the value notice or for a return deadline to engage a specialist. Property tax laws and regulations establish numerous deadlines by which certain tasks must be completed. Some deadlines to perform specific tasks secure the right to take other actions later in the year. The sooner Testudo Management is engaged, the sooner the review of your property can begin, and the more tax savings opportunities can be pursued.

HOW MUCH DOES TESTUDO MANAGEMENT CHARGE FOR ITS SERVICES?

Testudo's services and fees are designed around the interests and situation of the client. Many services are charged on a contingency fee basis, meaning the fee is a percentage of tax savings from Testudo's services. Other services are charged on a flat fee basis.

DO YOU PERFORM SERVICES IN MY STATE?

Very likely. There are a few states which have laws or regulations that prevent some property tax services from being performed by non-attorneys or CPAs, for example. However, Testudo partners with law firms and other agents to follow local rules and achieve the best results for our clients when appropriate.

RETURN COMPLIANCE

Penalties Avoided, Taxes Minimized

Most jurisdictions in the United States mandate that the owners of industrial personal property and, in some cases, real estate submit annual returns to assessing authorities. Such returns usually demand balance sheets, asset lists, cost basis, inventory figures, and profit and loss statements, among much else. These returns have strict deadlines, usually with severe penalties, which can include forfeitures of rights and large financial charges. Even if filed timely and completely, improper asset classification and other simple errors can result in audits and inflated or unpredictable tax bills. Testudo can assume the responsibility of properly filing returns for new and established facilities.