Commercial or industrial property assessment appeal
Appeals the MPAC assessment of a commercial or industrial property to the Assessment Review Board, with fees tied to the tax savings.
Assessment reconsideration and appeal deadlines are strict, often March 31 of the tax year; the lawyer confirms the date for your property. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral
What is included
Reviews the assessment notice and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's valuation
Files a request for reconsideration or an appeal to the Assessment Review Board
Works with appraisers on evidence of value
Negotiates settlements with MPAC and the municipality
Advises on the steps to redeem a property from, or buy at, a tax sale
What is not included
Municipal application, appeal and tribunal fees and other disbursements
Reports from planners, engineers, surveyors and other consultants
Further appeals or proceedings beyond the scope confirmed in writing
Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral
Who this service is for
Owners of apartment, commercial or industrial property
Owners with property tax arrears facing a tax sale
Buyers interested in a tax sale property
Information to have ready
1The property assessment notice and tax bills
2Rent rolls and income and expense statements for income-producing property
3Any appraisal or recent sale information
4Any tax arrears or tax sale notices
How a referral works
1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.
The lawyer usually charges a percentage of what is recovered, agreed in writing before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.
Can a neighbour appeal a planning decision?+
Recent changes to Ontario's Planning Act have limited third-party appeal rights for many types of decisions. The lawyer can confirm who may appeal in your situation.
What is a minor variance?+
It is permission from the Committee of Adjustment to depart slightly from a zoning by-law, such as a setback or height limit. The Committee considers whether the request meets the tests in the Planning Act.
Do I need a planner as well as a lawyer?+
Often, yes. A land use planner usually gives the planning evidence at a hearing, while the lawyer handles the legal process and presents the case.
General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Important limitations
No approval or decision can be guaranteed; council, the tribunal or the court decides
Appeal rights and deadlines are set by statute and usually cannot be extended
Ontario's planning rules change often, so the lawyer confirms the rules that apply to your matter