Some of he programs we have supported our clients in assessing include:

• InvestOhio – an Ohio Development Services Agency which provides non-refundable personal income tax credits to investors who infuse new equity into Ohio small businesses to acquire ownership interest.
• Opportunity Zones – The Tax Reform Act of 2017 included a program where an investor may defer capital gains taxes on the sale of any asset by investing those gains through a Qualified Opportunity Fund. These gains can be potentially deferred until 2026, or upon the sale of the new investment (whichever is earlier). Alongside the deferral, this original capital gains tax is reduced by up to 15% over time.
• Enterprise Zones – Ohio’s Enterprise Zone (EZ) program designates areas of land where businesses can receive tax exemptions on eligible new investments
• Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs) – This tax incentive program promotes the revitalization of underdeveloped areas by offering property-tax exemptions for increased property valuation as a result of new construction or renovation of existing structures.
• Job Creation Tax Credit – Businesses that create at least 25 new full-time positions at a facility in Ohio and pay a minimum of 150% of the federal minimum wage may be eligible for this credit.

• Jobs Retention Tax Credit – This credit provides Ohio CAT or state income tax credits for businesses that commit to retain a significant number of full-time jobs.
• Training Tax Credit – Ohio provides employers with incentives to train current employees at risk of being displaced because of skill deficiencies or the inability to use new technologies.
• Technology Investment Credit – Ohio offers a variety of benefits to taxpayers who invest in small research and development and technology-oriented firms.
• Research and Development Sales Tax Exemption – Under this program, significant tax savings are provided for companies undertaking research and development activities in Ohio.
• Manufacturing Machinery & Equipment Sales Tax Exemption – This credit provides an exemption from state and county sales tax for companies that purchase machinery and equipment for manufacturing and equipment.
• Warehouse Machinery & Equipment Sales Tax Exemption – This credit provides an exemption from state and county sales tax for companies that purchase eligible warehousing machinery and equipment.

Our team of litigation attorneys represents lenders, owners, insurance companies, businesses, governments, developers, title agents, and other real estate professions in all areas of real estate ownership, finance, development and management. Our real estate litigators assist our clients to resolve soured deals, issues over ownership. contract breaches, and other real estate and business matters.

We practice in state and federal courts, including bankruptcy and probate courts, to assist our clients’ litigation needs in connection with their real estate disputes. Whether we engage in foreclosure or establish receiverships or work through bankruptcies, our experienced attorneys work efficiently and diligently for our clients.

Our experienced team also has extensive knowledge in representing receivers who have been charged by state or federal courts to oversee, manage or operate business and/or real property. We handle receivership matters from start to finish, including the filing of the bond, motions to sell the real property, and overseeing the management of properties, from single family to multi-family properties.

Our practice spans the entire State of Ohio. CPM’s attorneys have an excellent and well-established reputation in the field of real estate, and we take pride in helping our clients solve their real estate needs.

Seeking a reduction in real property valuation can result in significant property tax savings for property owners.

We start with an evaluation of the real property values that have been assessed by your local county auditor to determine if a filing complaint to reduce the current valuation would be cost effective. Depending upon the timing of the county auditor’s valuation cycle, successful property owners could receive up to 3 full years of real estate tax savings. Over the last few years we have saved our clients millions of dollars by challenging property valuation assessments.

We regularly service clients on:

• Filing complaints against the current assessed values as determined by your local county auditor (Board of Revision Complaint).
• Making Tender Payments on your real estate tax bill based on a reduction in value sought in a Board of Revision Complaint, rather than based upon the value assessed by the county auditor.
• Determining expected valuations and real estate taxes based upon new construction and timing of such valuations.
• Assisting farm land owners in obtaining Current Agricultural Use Valuations (CAUV) and ensuring they retain CAUV status.

Real Property Tax Exceptions & Abatements

Additionally, certain real property may qualify for real estate tax exemption or abatement, which can also result in significant tax savings. Our attorneys are skilled in recognizing these opportunities and can explain the benefits of tax abated property and the tax liabilities that will exist once the tax abatement expires. We also routinely file applications for obtaining real property tax exemptions for churches, educational facilities, and numerous types of charitable organizations.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)/ Community Reinvestment Areas (CRA)

Our attorney’s work with developers and local municipalities on deals involving TIFs and CRAs and can explain the benefits of property owners who have property located within the TIFs and CRAs.

Our experience stems from successfully representing owners, developers, bankers, general contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, and material suppliers on projects throughout Ohio. We understand every stage of the construction process, from bidding to closeout, and estimating to buyout of the project.

Representing Clients Engaged in All Phases of Construction

Our representation of those in the construction industry often ranges from private industrial, commercial and residential projects, to public projects with both multi-prime and design-build contracts. We work with a wide range of clients including owners, developers, residential builders, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, design professionals (architects, engineers, surveyors), and trucking companies. Some of the important legal services we provide within the construction industry are:

• Mechanic’s Liens & Payment Claims
• Litigation of All Construction Claims
• Contract Selection, Negotiation and Preparation
• Construction Defects Litigation
• Insurance Coverage of Construction Disputes
• Prompt Payment Act Claims
• Business & Corporate Law for Construction-related companies
• Bonding and Bonding Disputes
• VSSR Defense
• Employment Matters
• Mergers & Acquisitions

Our attorneys truly understand that “time is money” on each and every construction project. Our goal is to be proactive and always address problems before they start. We understand the evolving challenges facing the construction industry, and work diligently to not only meet, but exceed our client’s unique needs.