
| Assessor's Office |
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| Arapahoe County Government |
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| 5334 S. Prince Street |
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| Littleton, Co 80120-1136 |
| 303-795-4600 |
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| E-mail: Assessor's Office |
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| Q. |
How is my property value determined? |
| A. |
Values are most often determined by comparing your property with properties that are similar in location, design, size, age,
and amenities. The value placed on your property for year 2012 was based on sales between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011,
utilizing the Sales Comparison Approach. A copy of this method for your residential property is available from our office
and will be included in your Notice of Value.
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| Q. |
What is Property Tax Exemption for Seniors? |
| A. |
In the November 2000 election, Colorado voters passed a Property Tax Exemption for Seniors, known as Referendum A. Qualifying
seniors will see 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence exempted from property tax. To
qualify, at least one owner of a home must be 65 years or older as of January 1, and must have occupied the home as a primary
residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1 of the year in which he/she applies. Following a three-year
suspension Colorado’s property tax exemption for seniors has been reinstated by the State Legislature. State lawmakers suspended
the voter-approved Senior Property Tax Homestead Exemption program for tax year 2009, payable 2010, due to State budget shortfalls,
but restored it during the 2012 General Session for tax year 2012, payable in 2013
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| Q. |
How are property taxes calculated? |
| A. |
Actual value multiplied by the assessment rate multiplied by the mill levy equals tax dollars. The residential assessment
rate is 7.96% for 2012 and 7.96% for 2013. The assessment rate for all other property, including vacant land is 29%. Example:
Please note this is only an example. Your value and mill levy may be different. $150,000 (actual value) x 7.96% (residential
assessment rate) x .081265 (mill levy) = $970.30 (tax dollars).
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| Q. |
What sets the mill levy? |
| A. |
Each individual taxing authority such as school, county, city, fire district, water and sanitation district, and recreation
district. These authorities provide services to you and are listed on your last tax notice.
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| Q. |
Can you appeal your property taxes to the Assessor? |
| A. |
No. You may only appeal your property’s actual value, or classification. Objections to the level of taxation have to be taken
to the taxing authorities (see question above). Colorado provides tax deferrals and rebates for some seniors. For information
on these programs, call 303-795-4600 and ask for a brochure.
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| Q. |
Why don't all properties increase or decrease by the same percentage? |
| A. |
Each property is revalued to a June 30, 2011 value regardless of the percentage change. Some people think the previous (2012)
values are simply multiplied by an inflation factor, but in a reappraisal, all the data from the relevant time frame is used,
along with the latest mass appraisal techniques.
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| Q. |
If I don't agree with the actual value, what steps should I take? |
| A. |
You may come into the office during May to speak with an appraiser about your value. Or, you may write a letter; it must be postmarked by June 1. It is important to remember that if you choose to appeal the Assessor’s value, you should provide
pertinent information supporting your estimated value. If you appoint an agent to act on your behalf, that person needs your
written authorization.
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| Q. |
What happens after I appeal? |
| A. |
The Assessor’s Office will review all appeals and respond by letter by the end of June. In some cases the Assessor’s Office
might need to make a physical inspection of the property. We will make every effort to do this during the month of June. If
you are dissatisfied with the Assessor’s response, you may appeal to the County Board of Equalization.
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| Q. |
What do the codes mean on the parcel report? |
| A. |
Sales Section
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Code
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Description
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AO
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ADMINISTRATORS
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BD
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BARGAIN & SALE DEED
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CD
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CONSERVATORS
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DC
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DEATH CERTIFICATE
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DE
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DEED
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DR
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DECREES
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ED
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EXECUTORS
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GD
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GRANT DEED
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IL
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INST LAND CONTRACT
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MD
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MINERAL
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OD
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ORDERS
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PD
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PERS REPRESENTATIVE
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PT
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PUBLIC TRUSTEE
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QC
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QUIT CLAIM
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RI
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RELS OF INHERITANCE
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SA
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SUPPLEMENTAL AFF
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SF
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SHERIFFS
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SW
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SPECIAL WARRANTY
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SY
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STATUTORY
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TD
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TRUSTEES DEED
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TL
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TITLE TRANSFER
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TX
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TREASURES DEED
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UK
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UNKNOWN
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WT
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LAST WILL & TEST
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WY
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WARRANTY DEED
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Code
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Description
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*
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DEFAULT
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?
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NO VALUE RECORD
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0
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OTHER
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1
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JOINT TENANTS
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2
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TENANTS IN COMMON
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3
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MULTI PARCEL SALE
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4
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MULTI DEED SALE
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5
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SALES PRICE MODIFIED
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6
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QUALIFIED HUD SALES
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7
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UNQUALIFIED HUD SALES
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8
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SPLITS/COMBO
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9
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SALES PROCESSED & UNQUAL
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D
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SALE DECLARATION FILED
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How are parcel numbers assigned?
| 2077 |
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16 |
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2 |
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00-032 |
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Random Generated Numbers |
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Quarter Section - One quarter section. A quarter section (commonly called a quarter) contains 160 acres.
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Section - A division or parcel of land on a government survey, comprising one square mile (640 acres). Thirty-six sections compromise
a township. |
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| Township & Range - A territorial division of land established by federal survey, being six miles square and containing thirty-six sections, each
one mile square. |
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