Golf Course Receives Significant Relief For Over a Decade
Total client tax savings
$1000
Total assessment reductions
$1000
Overview
In 2010, Protax LLC began representing a prestigious public golf course in San Diego County. Although initial tax savings were modest, they increased significantly in 2015 and surged after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Challenge
Golf courses nationwide faced substantial declines in value as interest in the sport waned and an oversupply of new courses flooded the market. This downturn was reflected in fewer rounds played and lower green fees, severely impacting the financial performance of the entire golf industry.
Solution
To address this significant loss of income, Protax LLC implemented a two-pronged approach: submitting annual informal requests to the Assessor, followed by formal appeals. The market evidence provided by Protax included extensive market data and property-specific financial information. This advocacy program also incorporated COVID-19-specific guidelines after the lockdowns, further amplifying the tax savings.
Results
Protax’s efforts led to over 13 years of financial relief for the golf course owner, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. In one particular tax year, the property received three distinct tax reductions: a lowered initial tax bill with the posting of the assessment roll, a late correction by the assessor that further reduced the assessment and the second-half installment payment, and finally a third reduction after the formal appeal was resolved that eventually produced a significant refund that exceeded $65,000. The total tax savings for the 2018 tax year alone was over $100,000.
Conclusion
This case underscores Protax LLC’s understanding of market dynamics and industry conditions, enabling them to secure substantial tax relief for many clients. It demonstrates the importance of having an ongoing strategic plan with a qualified property tax professional, especially before economic downturns arise.
