Steve Thompson

Overview

Steve Thompson is a Principal in Ryan’s Real Property Tax practice, based in New York, with more than 20 years of experience advising real estate developers and operators on complex commercial property tax matters. He focuses primarily on New York City property tax appeals and is widely recognized for his command of valuation, classification, and assessment issues involving new construction, redevelopment, and income-producing assets.

Steve takes a holistic approach to property taxation, identifying savings opportunities both within and beyond the traditional tax certiorari process. He advises clients throughout the real estate lifecycle, from acquisition and due diligence through development, stabilization, and disposition. Known for disciplined execution and defensible positions, Steve partners with clients to reduce tax exposure, strengthen forecasting, and deliver measurable savings across local and multi-jurisdictional portfolios.

Education and Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy, Georgetown University

Certified Member of the Institute (CMI), Institute for Professionals in Taxation

Appraisal Institute coursework, Advanced Income Capitalization; Separating Real Property, Personal Property, and Intangible Assets

CCIM coursework, Financial Analysis; Market Analysis for Commercial Investment Real Estate

Experience and Achievements

Principal, Real Property Tax, Ryan, New York office

• Leads New York City–based teams handling property tax appeals for commercial real estate owners and developers

• Prepares and attends New York City Tax Commission hearings across all five boroughs and a broad range of property types

• Advises clients on minimizing property tax exposure throughout the full real estate lifecycle

• Provides strategic guidance on valuation, classification, and supplemental assessment issues for office, multifamily, hospitality, and mixed-use assets

• Serves as a senior client-facing advisor, delivering disciplined execution and measurable property tax savings

Principal / Director, Property Tax, Ryan, Washington, D.C. office

• Oversaw and executed high-value property tax appeals across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia

• Served as primary client contact for complex portfolios, ensuring consistency, accountability, and results

Manager, Property Tax, Ryan, Washington, D.C. office

• Delivered significant property tax savings for commercial real estate clients across multiple asset classes

• Selected for and completed Ryan’s Leadership Development Program

Team Leader / Senior Consultant, Property Tax, Ryan, Washington, D.C office

• Managed and mentored consulting teams handling multifaceted property tax appeals

• Developed valuation arguments and supported negotiations with taxing authorities

Trainee Appraiser, global real estate services firm

• Prepared appraisal reports for multifamily, office, industrial, hospitality, and mixed-use properties

• Supported income capitalization, market analysis, and valuation modeling

Associate Consultant, State and Local Tax Services, national property tax firm

• Supported property tax appeal engagements for commercial real estate portfolios

• Assisted with tax forecasts, assessment reviews, valuation analysis, and market research

Member, Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)

Member, Institute for Professionals in Taxation

Member, Appraisal Institute

Member, Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute