The Challenge
Following the expiration of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement, a large manufacturing facility in New York was issued a new real property tax assessment. As is often the case when properties transition out of PILOT arrangements, the initial assessment was significantly out of alignment with true fair market value, resulting in an inflated annual tax burden.
Given the size of the facility and its prominence within the local tax base, challenging the assessment required a strategic and well supported approach.
DMA’s Approach
DMA conducted a detailed review of the post‑PILOT assessment and underlying valuation assumptions. Through this analysis, DMA identified material overvaluation and quantified the resulting tax exposure.
The team then:
- Developed a comprehensive market evidence package aligned with local valuation standards
- Evaluated comparable properties and appropriate valuation methodologies
- Navigated the complexities associated with large taxpayer appeals in a single‑municipality environment
- Led the appeal process from initiation through resolution
Throughout the process, DMA combined technical valuation expertise with a practical understanding of how assessments are negotiated and resolved at the local level.
The Results
DMA successfully negotiated a 79% reduction to the property’s assessed value, dramatically lowering the client’s real estate tax liability.
Key outcomes included:
- Annual tax savings of $1,175,000
- $7 million in total realized savings across impacted tax years
- Long-term certainty that the property is assessed at fair market value
The resolution delivered immediate financial relief while positioning the client for sustained tax equity in future years.
Why DMA
DMA’s experience with complex, high-visibility manufacturing assets proved critical as this facility transitioned out of its PILOT agreement. By proactively identifying the overassessment risk, developing market‑supported valuation analysis, and guiding the appeal through a multi‑year settlement process, DMA helped the client correct an inflated assessment and restore tax equity. The outcome not only delivered meaningful savings but also positioned the property for more accurate assessments in the future.
New York Property Tax Expertise
DMA’s New York property tax team supports companies navigating complex assessment systems, local valuation practices, and jurisdiction-specific appeal requirements across the state.
Connect with our New York specialists to discuss your real or personal property tax exposure and learn how DMA helps property owners address over-assessments, improve valuation accuracy, and achieve more consistent property tax outcomes.