Welcome back to O’Connor’s series covering past presidents with tax philosophies that align with our own business and values. One of the instigating factors behind the birth of the United States was the opposition to unfair tariffs, most commonly referred to as “taxation without representation.” The first president to lead our country following independence from the British was none other than George Washington, so it is appropriate to put our spotlight on him today.
George Washington Early Life
George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He had limited formal schooling but had experience in surveying and farming. He was appointed Continental Army commander-in-chief in 1775. He commanded the American armies to victory against Great Britain, particularly during the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. Following the war, Washington played an important role in the Constitutional Convention of 1787, arguing for a strong federal government. He was chosen to be the country’s first president in 1789 and held the office for two years. His leadership contributed significantly to the establishment of several norms for the new administration. He established significant precedents for the president and highlighted the need of unity and civic virtue. Washington is commonly referred to as the “Father of His Country.”
George Washington (1789-1797) Pragmatic View on Taxation
George Washington’s perspective on taxation was pragmatic. Washington was a proponent of a robust federal government, which necessitated sufficient revenue to sustain its operations. Washington acknowledged that taxes were essential for the preservation of national security and infrastructure, at the same time understanding the burden of taxation on citizens. He frequently emphasized a balanced approach, advocating for equitable taxation. He supported a system that would facilitate economic expansion while simultaneously guaranteeing that the government could fulfill its obligations efficiently. Washington favored a government where the taxes levied were fair, although as evidenced by his response to the Whiskey Rebellion, he was not afraid to affirm the federal government’s authority to levy taxes. Washington sought to balance protecting taxpayers’ interests with ensuring the government had enough money to run efficiently.
Washington is revered as a representation of American leadership and principles, and his influence on the country is still felt today.
Fun Facts about Washington’s Presidency and Personal Life
- Washington never resided in the White House; it was finished after his administration, despite the fact that he is often linked to it.
- President Washington stressed the need of maintaining national unity and cautioned against political parties in his parting speech.
- Washington was a dog lover. He had several hunting dogs, including scent hounds named Taster, Tippler, and Tipsy as well as a poodle named Pilot.
O’Connor Fights for Reduced Property Taxes
Washington often promoted fair taxes and advocated a balanced approach. He tried to strike a balance between defending the rights of taxpayers and making sure the government had the funding to function effectively. In the same vein, O’Connor is fervently dedicated to reducing property taxes and teaching Texans more effective ways to object to their taxes. Protesting annually is the best way to lower property taxes.
It’s easy and risk-free to protest your residential property taxes with O’Connor. Our tax strategy is designed to reduce taxes via binding arbitration, judicial appeals, and ARB hearings. Property owners won’t ever be assessed a fee with O’Connor unless they get a decrease. We charge property owners a percentage depending on the decrease in property taxes when we achieve one. We provide a three-minute online enrollment process that is fast and easy.
Property tax savings for O’Connor’s customers exceeded $215 million in 2023 and have already topped $235 million in 2024. Our property tax experts file a protest against your taxes every year. We keep working hard to secure tax savings for you every year after you join us. Unlike many property tax consulting firms, O’Connor is proactive in setting up binding arbitration and court appeals when ARB hearings fail to provide a satisfactory result, and we feel a greater reduction is available.
How can O’Connor Help You
Providing property owners with affordable tax savings is our core focus. We hope you are learning some interesting facts about presidents who have similar views to O’Connor’s on tax reduction in this blog series. O’Connor offers services for residential and commercial assets, including business personal property. Our knowledgeable team consists of seasoned, trustworthy experts who provide outstanding customer service, superior work, and dedication to our clients. O’Connor pays for all legal, appraisal, expert witness, and court expenses and we only get paid if we reduce your taxes.
