If you're thinking about hiring a firm to file your property tax grievance, here's a structured comparison of the major players on Long Island. Fees and service areas come from each firm's own website. We don't rank or recommend a single firm — we give you the facts to choose.
All data below is publicly stated on each firm's own website. Cells marked "not publicly stated" mean the firm doesn't post that number publicly; ask before signing.
| Firm | Contingency | Service area | No-reduction-no-fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group | 50% of total tax savings | Nassau County only | Yes (firm confirms) |
| Empire Tax Reductions | 40% discounted fee (if paid within 60 days of invoice) | Nassau + Suffolk | Yes (firm confirms) |
| Heller & Consultants | Industry-standard contingency (not publicly stated) | Nassau + Suffolk | Yes (firm confirms) |
| PTRC Property Tax Reduction Consultants | Industry-standard contingency (not publicly stated) | Nassau + Suffolk | Yes (firm confirms) |
| DIY (self-filed) | $0 firm fee. $30 SCAR filing fee in Suffolk if you escalate to small-claims hearing. | Both counties | N/A |
Contingency percentage. A 40% fee means: if the firm reduces your bill by $1,000, you pay them $400 and keep $600 the first year. Years 2 through 4 (until your next reassessment cycle) you keep the entire $1,000 reduction. Over 3–4 years the firm typically captures 10–15% of the multi-year benefit. See our grievance cost breakdown for worked examples.
Service area. Nassau and Suffolk have different filing windows, different assessment cycles, and different administrative processes. Maidenbaum specializes in Nassau exclusively (which can be an advantage — deeper expertise on Nassau's system). Empire, Heller, and PTRC handle both counties.
"Not publicly stated". Heller and PTRC do not post their contingency percentage on their public website. The industry standard on LI is 40–50% — ask the specific number in writing before signing. A contract with the percentage in print is your protection.
Whatever firm you pick, the contract should clearly answer all of these. If it doesn't, ask for clarification in writing before signing:
The honest answer: it depends on three things — your potential reduction, your tolerance for paperwork, and the county you're in.
Hire a firm when:
DIY when:
See our should-I-grieve calculator for a 30-second decision tool.
Firm websites all have testimonials, all positive. Useful third-party sources:
Two reasons. First, contingency rates can vary by case (high-value properties may be negotiable). Second, posting a number invites direct competition on price. The industry norm on LI is 40–50%; 40% has become a more visible advertised price recently as firms compete. Always ask the specific percentage in writing before signing.
On a standard contingency contract: no. The "no reduction, no fee" guarantee is the entire point of contingency. The exceptions: if you escalate to SCAR (Suffolk), the $30 NY court filing fee is yours regardless of outcome. And if your contract has a flat-fee component or admin fee, that's due regardless — confirm before signing.
Yes. Most LI grievance authorizations are annual; you can cancel auto-renewal and sign with a different firm for the next cycle. Just make sure you don't have two firms filing on the same property in the same year — that creates a mess. Send cancellation in writing well before the next filing window opens.
Probably not. Reductions are property-specific. Your neighbor's case might have had unique facts (recent comps, a clear assessment error, a property class change). The relevant number is your over-assessment percentage, not your neighbor's dollar savings. Use our should-I-grieve calculator to estimate your potential reduction before signing with anyone.
Some do, but most LI residential firms only file residential grievances. Commercial tax certiorari is its own specialty — different evidence (income approach, cap rates), different attorneys, much larger dollar stakes. If your property is commercial, ask the firm specifically.
No — these are the four with the biggest LI marketing footprint. Dozens of smaller firms and solo practitioners file LI grievances too, including some attorney-run shops. The four above are simply the ones most LI homeowners encounter through ads, mailers, and brand search. A smaller local firm can be just as effective; the same questions apply (contingency percentage, contract clarity, BBB record).
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Estimates and educational content only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with your county or town receiver, an attorney, or a CPA before making financial decisions.