Coronavirus Update
First and most importantly, we hope everyone continues to remain healthy as we work together to get through this crisis. We are mindful that the coronavirus pandemic is affecting all of our families, our friends, our clients, our communities, and our way of life. However, as we start the month of May, we wanted to reach out again and update you on how SDG is approaching the situation.
Although we are mindful that our communities are facing more pressing issues, we felt it important to update our clients on several fronts as it relates to our firm and pending and potential tax complaints in Ohio and across the country:
SDG: Previously, the Governor of Ohio had identified the practice of law as an “essential” business that was permitted to continue to its business during the general stay at home order. Accordingly, and in order to meet the March 31st deadline in Ohio and other jurisdictions, SDG had remained business as usual through April 1st. On April 27th, the Governor authorized many businesses to resume operations with certain restrictions. Therefore, the principals and staff at SDG will be fully operational commencing May 4th (while following the required social distancing guidelines). Some States other than Ohio have extended deadlines to file Property Tax Complaints and we will continue to monitor our clients’ portfolios in those locations.
LOCAL/APPELLATE HEARINGS: Many of the jurisdictions, inclusive of local and appellate courts/boards had canceled hearings that were originally scheduled for April and May. However, some forums such as the Cuyahoga County (Ohio) Board of Revision are conducting hearings via telephone commencing May 4th. We are constantly checking the status of when the Counties/States will be proceeding with hearings and we will keep you updated. In the meantime, we are working diligently to resolve through settlement pending appeals.
PAYMENT OF TAXES: In Ohio, the 2nd Half TY 2019 tax obligations are typically due in July/August. As of today, those dates have not been extended. We will let you know if something changes. However, some tax payment deadlines across the country have been extended. Please call us or visit www.nptg.com with questions regarding a specific location.
FUTURE VALUATIONS: Certainly, we believe the current health crisis and the economic downturn that has resulted will adversely affect property valuations. We will closely monitor how the Assessors will address this situation in terms of property valuations throughout Ohio and across the country. In Ohio, for example, many of the Counties will be either reappraising or updating values for TY 2020 towards the end of the year. It will be interesting to see how the various jurisdictions react.
Finally and most importantly, our hearts go out to anyone who’s been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full recovery. And we are truly inspired by the selfless healthcare workers who are on the front lines working tirelessly to care for those who are most in need. Please, everyone follow the guidelines for safety and stay healthy!!
– Todd, Kip & Steve