Understanding Colorado Property Taxes: A Guide to Navigating the Process

Should You Appeal Your 2025 Colorado Property Tax Valuation?

What’s Changed, What’s Coming, and How to Appeal if Needed

When it comes to property taxes, Colorado has been on a wild ride the last few years. For 2025, many homeowners—including many of our clients—are seeing lower assessed values on their statements, thanks to cooling home appreciation and recent legislative changes.

But even with these reductions, it’s still worth double-checking your valuation. Why? Because the state’s tax formulas have changed—and more changes are coming in 2026. Here's what you need to know.

Why Did My Assessed Value Go Down This Year?

In short, home price growth has slowed, especially compared to the dramatic spikes of 2020–2023. Combined with recent state legislation passed in 2024 that lowered assessment rates and capped annual property tax revenue growth, many homeowners are seeing a bit of breathing room in their 2025 assessments.

But Why Will My Taxes Still Likely Go Up in 2026?

Two reasons:

1. Property values continue to tick upward, even if at a slower pace.

2. The larger temporary tax discount from 2022 has expired, and the new permanent rate (while lower than pre-2020 levels) is less generous.

That means when 2026 tax bills arrive, most homeowners will still see higher bills compared to 2025, even though they’ll be lower than they would have been without last year’s reforms.

Can I Still Appeal My 2025 Valuation?

Absolutely. Even with the rate changes, if you believe your assessed value is incorrect or inflated compared to similar homes, you can still file a protest.

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Valuation in Colorado

Step 1: Understand the Valuation Process

County assessors use a mass appraisal process based on comparable sales as of June 30, 2024, multiplied by the county's mill levy, which is set annually.

Step 2: Determine if Your Valuation is Accurate

Compare your assessed value to similar homes in your area.
Pro Tip: Use recent sales, prior appraisals, or hire an independent appraiser.

Step 3: File a Protest (Deadline: June 1 in Most Counties)

File online, by mail, or in person with your County Assessor’s Office.
Check your specific county’s process and deadlines.

Step 4: Provide Strong Supporting Evidence

Include comparable sales data, appraisals, and any evidence that shows your property is overvalued.

Step 5: Get the Assessor’s Determination

An appraiser will review your case and issue a decision. If you disagree, you can appeal further (State Board of Assessment Appeals, District Court, or binding arbitration).

Other Ways to Reduce or Defer Taxes

• Homestead Exemption: Available to homeowners over 65, disabled veterans, and Gold Star spouses. Apply through your county assessor.

• Tax Deferral Program: Homeowners experiencing property tax increases of over 4% over two years can defer the increase (it works like a low-interest loan to be repaid later).

Keep an Eye on Legislation

Colorado lawmakers are hopeful that the 2024 law will serve as a long-term fix, but given the history of rapid adjustments, future changes are possible.

For more, check out Denverite’s summary of the state's evolving property tax landscape.

Helpful County Resources

• Denver County Assessor & FAQs

• Douglas County Assessor

• Arapahoe County Assessor & Appeal Procedure

• Adams County Assessor

• Jefferson County Assessor

• Boulder County Assessor

• Broomfield County Assessor

Colorado Property Tax Calculator: Colorado remains among the lowest residential property tax states, with an average effective rate of 0.48%, compared to the national average of 0.99%.

Disclaimer

This communication is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal or tax advice. Property valuations and tax laws are subject to change. Always consult your local assessor’s office or a qualified tax professional.