Frequently Asked Questions

 


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.


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

 


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).


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.

 


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.

 


Q.  Doesn't the Tabor Amendment for 1992 prevent my taxes from rising?
A.

No. The Tabor Amendment (Amendment 1 of 1992) controls the amount that the State and local governments can collect and spend. It does not limit the rate of increase of an individual tax bill.

 


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.


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.

 

 


Q.  I'm not sure if I should appeal or not. How can I find out the sale prices of properties in my neighborhood for the 18-month period prior to June 30, 2012?
A.

You can get the information you need in any of the following three ways:
Search for Property Search ( All Residential, Commercial and Vacant Parcels) with our online database; Use our in office customer service terminals; Or use the copy of your residential comp sheet appraisal that was mailed with your Notice of Valuation.


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.

 



Q.  What do the codes mean on the parcel report?
A.

 

Sales Section

Instrument

Code 

Description

AO

ADMINISTRATORS

BD

BARGAIN & SALE DEED

CD

CONSERVATORS

DC

DEATH CERTIFICATE

DE

DEED

DR

DECREES

ED

EXECUTORS

GD

GRANT DEED

IL

INST LAND CONTRACT

MD

MINERAL

OD

ORDERS

PD

PERS REPRESENTATIVE

PT

PUBLIC TRUSTEE

QC

QUIT CLAIM

RI

RELS OF INHERITANCE

SA

SUPPLEMENTAL AFF

SF

SHERIFFS

SW

SPECIAL WARRANTY

SY

STATUTORY

TD

TRUSTEES DEED

TL

TITLE TRANSFER

TX

TREASURES DEED

UK

UNKNOWN

WT

LAST WILL & TEST

WY

WARRANTY DEED

Transfer

Code 

Description

*

DEFAULT

?

NO VALUE RECORD

0

OTHER

1

JOINT TENANTS

2

TENANTS IN COMMON

3

MULTI PARCEL SALE

4

MULTI DEED SALE

5

SALES PRICE MODIFIED

6

QUALIFIED HUD SALES

7

UNQUALIFIED HUD SALES

8

SPLITS/COMBO

9

SALES PROCESSED & UNQUAL

D

SALE DECLARATION FILED

How are parcel numbers assigned?

2077 - 16 - 2 - 00-032
            Random Generated Numbers
             
       

Quarter Section - One quarter section. A quarter section (commonly called a quarter) contains 160 acres.

         
    Section - A division or parcel of land on a government survey, comprising one square mile (640 acres). Thirty-six sections compromise a township.
     
Township & Range - A territorial division of land established by federal survey, being six miles square and containing thirty-six sections, each one mile square.