With the 2024 presidential election right around the corner, we have prepared a series of blog posts leading up to the election that pay homage to United States presidents of past who advocated for reductions in taxation. Regardless of whether the conversation is about federal tax or local policy, we hold the position that you can spend your money better than the government.

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland’s tax approach embodied his larger ideas of economic conservatism, limited government, and a dedication to safeguarding the interests of the common person. His administration signaled a turning point in the American tax and government expenditure discussion. Cleveland’s objective during his presidency was to diminish the national debt by advocating for policies that would reduce government expenditure rather than raise taxes.

Early Days of Grover Cleveland:

Prior to his first term in office, on October 26, 1884, Cleveland talked about tax changes that would be advantageous for the common man:

“The people have a right to demand that no more money should be taken from them, directly or indirectly, for public uses than is necessary for an honest and economical administration of public affairs. Indeed, the right of the government to exact tribute from the citizens is limited to its actual necessities, and every cent taken from the people beyond that required for their protection by the government is no better than robbery.”

Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. The first two terms were from 1885 to 1889 and 1893 to 1897. He was born in Caldwell, New Jersey, on March 18, 1837. Cleveland was a staunch advocate for tariff reform and opposed high tariffs, believing they unfairly benefited businesses at the expense of consumers. Cleveland approved the 1894 Income Tax Act. He supported the idea of an income tax as a means to achieve a more equitable taxation system.

His administration frequently encountered disagreements with Congress, particularly in relation to economic policies and tariffs. He habitually vetoed legislation that proposed tax increases or unnecessary government expenditure. He was committed to reducing the tax burden on citizens.

In Favor of Reduced Taxation for U.S. Citizens:

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland’s unique perspective on taxes and fiscal policy was significantly influenced by his belief in economic conservatism and limited government. Strong opponent of high protective tariffs, Cleveland felt they helped a limited group of industrialists at the cost of consumers. To support free trade and cut public goods’ prices, he argued for reduced taxes. He was noted for his approach of focusing on policy and essentially ignoring the political implications. Compared to other past presidents, Cleveland turned down several bills concerning tax reform. He frequently vetoed expenditure laws that he considered unnecessary, as he was a proponent of limited government. Cleveland’s integrity and dedication to combating corruption in politics are frequently recalled, and they have earned him the respect of numerous Americans, even after his presidency. He underlined the need of a well-balanced budget and sensible financial behavior. Cleveland’s attitude to taxes was shaped by his belief that the government should not spend more than it gathered in income.

Fun Facts about Cleveland’s Presidency and Personal Life:

  1. Cleveland was renowned for his utilization of the veto power, rejecting over 400 legislations during his presidency.
  2. Cleveland had a health scare: during his second term, he received covert surgery aboard a yacht to remove a malignant growth from his mouth. He kept the procedure a secret from the public.
  3. He was an unwavering supporter for conservation and was instrumental in the establishment of numerous national parks, including the protection of Yosemite Valley.
  4. Cleveland retired to his estate in Princeton, New Jersey, where he focused on his family and literature, leading to a relatively tranquil retirement.

O’Connor Fights for Reduced Property Taxes:

Like Cleveland, O’Connor is a proponent of tax reduction, but our focus is closer to home. We want to cut the property taxes on your home. The most effective method of reducing property taxes is to file a property tax protest. Protest property taxes every year to achieve the most favorable outcome. O’Connor facilitates the process of protesting your property taxes in a straightforward manner with no risk involved. O’Connor fight property taxes for residential property. Our approach to residential property tax reduction services include:

    • Fighting for reduction at all levels, including informal hearings, ARB hearings, and coordinating binding arbitration or judicial appeal where appropriate.
    • Taxpayers will never be charged a fee unless we can lower their property rates. When we achieve reduced property taxes, property owners are only charged a percentage dependent on the reduction.
    • We offer an easy online enrollment process that takes no longer than 3 minutes.

Over $215 million in property taxes were saved by O’Connor’s clients in 2023, and this figure has already exceeded $223 million in 2024. Year after year, our property tax specialists file a protest against your taxes. Upon your enrollment with us, we persist in our efforts to secure a tax reduction for you, year after year. O’Connor is proactive and successful in coordinating court appeals and binding arbitration to get reductions that go beyond the appraisal review board (ARB) hearing for Texas property owners.

O’Connor’s strategy involves protesting in all three steps of the appeals process to strive for the best outcome.

How Can O’Connor Help You?

Our core value is providing property owners with cost-effective tax reduction. We hope this blog series will provide you with some interesting information about presidents who share this perspective on taxation and demonstrate how O’Connor can further this concept at the local level by saving annually appealing values. O’Connor offers services for residential and commercial property, as well as business personal property and IRS cost segregation studies. Our team of experts is composed of seasoned, reliable specialists who provide exceptional customer support, high-caliber work, and unwavering attention to our clients. O’Connor’s team is IRS compliant. You pay us only when we lower your taxes. Legal expenses, appraisals, expert witness fees, or court costs are not charged to you.

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