GRIEVANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
I, (Print Name) ________________________, (the “Client”), as petitioner (or agent, officer, or other authorized person thereof) of a certain property located at (Print Address) _______________________________________ (the “Property”) request The Real Property Tax Advocacy Group (“RPTAG”) to seek a reduction of the equalized-assessed value of The Property (the “assessed value”), under the following terms:
1. Designation of Grievance Representative
I hereby designate and authorize RPTAG to act as my sole representative in any and all proceedings before the Board of Assessment Review and/or Small Claims Assessment Review of the NY Supreme Court, and any other proceeding pursuant to New York State Real Property Tax Law for the purposes of reviewing the assessed value as it appears on the most recent assessment roll of any assessing unit for The Property. I have fully read and understand the terms of this agreement and what fees are due to RPTAG upon winning a grievance, as set forth below.
2. Fees
a. I fully understand that there will be no fees to me, and I will not be required to pay anything, if the grievance is lost or if the assessed value of The Property is not reduced;
b. I fully understand that no fees or disbursement will be owed or paid by me prior to the time I get official notice that the assessed value of The Property has been reduced;
c. I fully understand that, if my assessed value is reduced as a result of the process commenced by RPTAG or its agents, I agree to pay to RPTAG the following percentage-of-tax-savings as grievance-services fees:
· Properties with assessed values up to $400,000 on most recent tax-roll: 45% of the tax reduction plus disbursements;
· Properties with assessed values from $400,000 to $1,200,000 on most recent tax-roll: 40% of the tax reduction plus disbursements;
· Properties with assessed values from $1,200,000 to $3,000,000 on most recent tax-roll: 36% of the tax reduction plus disbursements;
· Properties with assessed values from $3,000,000 to $5,000,000 on most recent tax-roll: 33% of the tax reduction plus disbursements;
· Properties with assessed values from $5,000,000 and Up on most recent tax-roll: 28% of the tax reduction plus disbursements.
d. The “tax reduction” amount referred to above is calculated by multiplying the amount that The Property’s total assessed value is reduced, by the tax rate for the 2009/2010 tax-bill for the tax district in which The Property is located, prior to exemptions.
e. Disbursements include the $30 filing fee paid to the court; could include other minimal expenditures related to the grievance process, such as mailings and other reasonable costs. In certain circumstances and only upon prior approval from the client, the reasonable cost of an appraisal report will be added to the bill.
f. If RPTAG obtains a reduction of the assessed value of The Property as set forth above, I agree to pay the applicable grievance-fee owed within 45 days of the postmark on the envelope that contained the invoice and a copy of the official decision reporting the reduction of The Property’s assessed value. Upon said notification, I will make payment to: RPTAG, 310 Riverside Blvd., Suite 3I, Long Beach, NY 11561.
g. If I refuse or otherwise fail to pay RPTAG the agreed to fee within 45 days of notification of a successful reduction in the assessed value of the Property, in addition to and above the fees discussed above, I agree to pay RPTAG an additional 10% of the reduction prior to exemptions for my 2009/2010 property taxes, plus disbursements, plus reasonable attorneys fees to collect the fees owed. I am further aware that interest, at a rate of 1.5% per month on any unpaid balance will be added to my bill 46 days from the post-mark on the envelope with the invoice and a copy of the official decision reporting the reduction of The Property’s assessed value.
3. Sole Agent
a. I agree that RPTAG is the sole agent. If a reduction in assessed value occurs after the signing of this agreement by the effort of homeowner or another individual, firm, I agree to pay RPTAG the sum of $300, within 30 days of the official decision reporting the reduction of The Property’s assessed value, for their time, efforts, and costs.
4. Miscellaneous Terms
a. With respect to The Property, I acknowledge that I am one of the following: (i) a person named in the records of the County Clerk as a homeowner; or (ii) that person’s authorized agent or representative; or (iii) a person who has contracted to buy a home; or (iv) the estate of a deceased homeowner.
b. At any time within four (4) days after entering into this agreement, I have the complete right to cancel. Cancellation must be made in writing and must be sent via certified mail in that 4-day time period to the address above.
c. I understand that, with respect to the Property, RPTAG will make reasonable efforts to fully communicate an offer of settlement made to them by a municipality in the course of a tax assessment review or any other proceeding. I am aware that in many cases offers are made and the situation dictates that it is imperative and in the Client’s best interest for us to make an immediate decision. I fully authorize RPTAG and their agents to fully negotiate for me a settlement related to a reduction in my property taxes.
d. I have read and/or RPTAG has furnished to me my full valuation on The Property, and I have determined that The Property had a lesser value than the municipality is claiming. Although I am aware that grieving my taxes is available by means of my own efforts, I employ RPTAG to act on my behalf.
e. If The Property is sold prior to finalization of the grievance or RPTAG’s efforts, the seller is responsible for fees incurred under this Agreement unless the new homeowner or buyer assumes responsibility of the grievance by signing this agreement.
f. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any government agency.
g. Any part of this agreement which is deemed unenforceable or unlawful does not void the remaining parts of this contract.
h. This agreement may be signed by facsimile and/or in counterparts.
Dated: ________________,2009
______________________ ________________________
Client Signature RPTAG’s Signature
______________________ ________________________
Client’s Printed Name RPTAG Representative
