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• 2009 presents a unique opportunity for property tax savings for many investors, building owners, and tenants.

• Property tax payments may be lowered by as much as 50 percent in 2009.

• The key is to file a timely property tax appeal in 2009—the deadline is September 15 in many counties and November 30 in others.

As a result of the market downturn and the credit crisis, many properties have declined in value, some by as much as 50 percent. This is true even without reductions in the rent roll because market cap rates have increased, causing the value of properties and rent rates to decline.

This decline in value, however, presents a unique opportunity for 2009 property tax savings as one-time reductions in property taxes can be generated. However, securing such benefits requires that property tax appeals be filed in a timely manner.

Pursuing California Property Tax Reductions

Assessors rarely volunteer to reduce assessments on commercial, industrial and investment properties, so the onus falls on the business owner, investor, and/or tenant to request such tax relief, which in the current market can be significant.

It is critical to file a timely appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board in the county where the property is situated. Alameda, Inyo, Kings, Orange, Placer, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, Sierra, and Sutter Counties all have filing deadlines of September 15, 2009. All other California counties have filing deadlines of November 30, 2009.

Example of Potential Savings

• 100,000 square feet, $500 per square foot

• $50 million "top of the market" assessment

January 1, 2009 Assessment

Current Market Rents	$45 full service per square foot
Less Market Vacancy and Expenses	$20 per square foot
Net Operating Income	$25 per square Foot
Market Cap Rate of 8-1/3%	$300 per square foot

Assessment Reduction

• Difference of $200 per square foot times 100,000 square feet = $20 million decrease in value

2009 Property Tax Savings

• $20 million times 1.1% = $220,000 property tax savings in 2009

Conclusion

This material is not intended to constitute a complete analysis of all tax considerations. Internal Revenue Service regulations generally provide that, for the purpose of avoiding United States federal tax penalties, a taxpayer may rely only on formal written opinions meeting specific regulatory requirements. This material does not meet those requirements. Accordingly, this material was not intended or written to be used, and a taxpayer cannot use it, for the purpose of avoiding United States federal or other tax penalties or of promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any tax-related matters.

© Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP