Appealing Your Tax Assessment

🏛️ Understanding Colorado County Tax Assessment: Deadlines & Appeal Process 🏛️

Property taxes can often feel like a mystery, especially when faced with an assessment that doesn’t align with your expectations. In Colorado, property owners receive county tax assessments every two years, outlining the estimated value of their property and the taxes owed. If you’re a homeowner, understanding how these assessments work and what to do if you disagree with the valuation is key to ensuring you’re not overpaying. Here's a simple guide to navigating the process, along with important deadlines and steps for appealing your assessment.

🔢 How Tax Assessments Work in Colorado

County assessors determine the value of your property based on comparable sales, market trends, and specific property characteristics. These valuations are used to calculate the amount of property tax you owe. The assessed value is typically a percentage % of the property’s market value, and the exact rate depends on local tax laws.

 Assessments are conducted every two years, with notices sent out in May of odd-numbered years. The valuation is based on sales data from the 18 months ending June 30 of the prior year. For example, a 2025 assessment will use data from January 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

❓ What If You Disagree with Your Assessment?

If you believe your property was overvalued—and thus your taxes are too high—you have the right to appeal. Common reasons for appealing include:

• The assessment doesn’t reflect current market conditions.
• Errors in your property record (e.g., incorrect square footage or incorrect bedroom counts).
• Comparable sales used in the assessment are not truly comparable.

🕖 Deadlines for Appeals

Timing is everything when it comes to appealing your property tax assessment. Here's a breakdown of key deadlines:

1.  Assessment Notice Mailed: Typically sent by May 1.
2. Appeal Filing Deadline: You must file your appeal by June 8 of the same year. Some counties allow electronic filing, while others require you to submit via mail or in person.
3. County Assessor’s Decision: If you appeal, the assessor has until June 30 to respond with a decision.
4. Board of Equalization Appeal Deadline: If dissatisfied with the assessor’s decision, escalate your appeal to the County Board of Equalization by July 15.
5. Further Appeals: Beyond the county board, you may appeal to the State Board of Assessment Appeals or even the district court, with varying deadlines.

🔧 How to File an Appeal

Filing an appeal is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail. Here are the steps:

1.  Review Your Assessment: Carefully examine the notice to ensure all details are correct. Look at your property’s value, classification, and any listed comparable sales.
2. Gather Evidence: Collect documents to support your case, such as:
• Recent appraisals or property inspections.
• Photos showing property defects or unique features not accounted for in the assessment.
• Call Carla for sales data for comparable properties in your area.
3. Submit Your Appeal: File your appeal with the county assessor’s office. Most counties allow you to submit online, via mail, or in person. Include all evidence and a concise explanation of why you believe the valuation is incorrect.
4. Follow-Up: After submitting, the assessor’s office will review your appeal and may contact you for additional information. Be prepared to answer questions or provide further evidence.

🏡 Why Appeal Your Assessment?

Appealing your tax assessment can lead to significant savings if successful. Even a small reduction in assessed value can lower your tax bill by hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on your property’s value and local tax rates. Plus, the process ensures fairness and accuracy in property taxation.

🏛️ Final Thoughts

Colorado’s property tax assessment and appeal process may seem daunting, but it’s designed to be accessible to homeowners. By understanding the deadlines, gathering the right evidence, and following the outlined steps, you can ensure your property’s valuation is fair and accurate.

If you’re unsure about navigating the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to local experts, such as real estate agents or property tax consultants, who can help you make the most of your appeal. Remember, the deadline to file an appeal is June 8, so mark your calendar and act quickly if you need to challenge your assessment!