The philosophy and personality of Tax Reduction Services, Inc. was established the very first day of our existence. On that day in 1990, TRS founder Paul Henry scrutinized his property tax bill and knew something was wrong--and unfair. It bothered him to the point that he knew he had to do something to correct things. It was then Paul went on a mission that you may be about to embark upon as well--learning about tax grievances. In Paul's case, he wanted to know everything possible. This was not an easy assignment. At that time, the grievance process was a little-known option available to taxpayers. Understandably, local governments did not exactly advertise the fact that some property owners were overtaxed -- let alone that there was a way to get their money back and assessments reduced. Fewer people were better prepared for this job than Paul Henry. A research scientist by training, he had become a successful computer systems analyst as well. Paul understood analysis, mathematics, data, statistics, formulas -- the exact kind of factors used in calculating taxes and assessing the dollar amount. As he dove passionately into this task, Paul was nicknamed "Robin Hood" by his friends. While he was of course interested in reducing his own taxes, Paul was also bothered by the principle that homeowners have been over-taxed for years. And no one had done anything about it. After his share of squabbles with the local tax assessor, not to mention evasive practices by other officials, Paul Henry finally succeeded in getting a substantial tax reduction. His revised taxes were both fair and legal -- and they were calculated by the very formulas outlined by law. The rest happened fast. A friend heard about Paul's success and asked him to take a look at his tax bill. Then another friend, followed by a relative and a friend of a friend. Paul reduced taxes for all of them. Word spread. Before long, the phone was ringing off the hook -- and Tax Reduction Services was born. Within the first several months Paul personally talked to hundreds of Long Island property owners who suspected that they were paying too much in taxes. And guess what? Nine times out of ten, they were! Using data from the tax rolls and other information, Paul estimated that as many as 300,000 pieces of property on Long Island were over-taxed! Tax Reductions Services continued explosive growth every year from its very humble beginning. People from all walks of life signed up and became satisfied clients. Doctors. Lawyers. Teachers and retirees. All had one thing in common -- they had been paying too much in property taxes in their respective Long Island towns. More importantly, the work of Paul Henry -- and others -- helped bring the property tax issue to the surface. Ironically, Paul Henry has evolved into someone who has both helped and fought City Hall! Among other things, he recently attended and spoke at a gathering of The New York State Assessors Association as a special guest of the New York State Office of Real Property Services. Paul is one of the founders of The Association of Assessment Consultants and serves as their vice president. He has helped the Suffolk County Legislature to draft a new law to set responsible guidelines for the emerging tax consulting profession. Paul has also served as an expert spokesperson on property-tax issues in such media venues as NEWSDAY, The New York Times, and NEWS 12. By the end of 1997, TRS expected to have gained tax reductions for nearly 20,000 Long Islanders. Still, much is exactly as it was that very first day when Paul Henry found something irregular on his tax bill. TRS operates on the belief that every property owner should pay his or her taxes, but that no one should have to pay more than their fair share as prescribed by law. It's a simple, practical way to do business. We believe that's why it's worked well for us and, more importantly, for people like you.