Real Estate Taxation
Graydon's lawyers are experienced in assisting clients in reducing income and real estate taxes which may result from the disposition, development or operation of real estate. Tax considerations play an important role in structuring real estate transactions. We explore the possibilities for tax-deferred exchanges under Section 1031 as well as the possibility of using bargain sales, installment sales, and other structured transactions in order to reduce the tax impact to the maximum extent allowed by law. Other strategies include determining the most tax-friendly structure for holding title to property, installment sales under Section 453(a), lease vs. sale options, and use of real estate investment trusts. Negotiating tax abatements, tax increment financing and similar inducements to development are also possibilities to be explored, depending on the type of transaction.
After a project is completed, our attorneys continue to keep their eyes open for tax savings opportunities for our clients. Sometimes, these savings opportunities take the form of challenging a county auditor’s valuation of a property or obtaining a real property tax exemption. We have been very successful in lowering our clients’ taxes with these challenges. Our real estate attorneys work closely with our tax attorneys in an effort to explore all possibilities for reducing the tax burden of a real estate transaction or investment.