Owning a home isn’t just about securing a cozy place for your family; it’s also about contributing to the local community through property taxes. However, if you’re a homeowner in Douglas County, Colorado, and you believe the assessed value of your property is higher than it should be, you have the right to appeal it. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of understanding and disputing your property taxes.

 

Before we delve into the steps to appeal your property tax, it’s important to understand that the system responsible for estimating property values is generally accurate but not foolproof. A multitude of variables in real estate valuation simply can’t be captured by automation, making discrepancies possible, particularly with unique properties or neighborhoods. As a real estate professional, I am committed to providing accurate information and adhering to ethical standards.

 

The appeal process isn’t designed to “game the system,” but to correct potential inaccuracies in the estimation of your property’s value. In my experience, many assessments are quite accurate, and in such cases, there is little to nothing I can do to help. However, there are also instances where assessments seem off, and these are situations where an appeal can make a real difference.

 

Today, I’ll walk you through the process of appealing your property taxes in Douglas County, Colorado, and how I can assist by preparing a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to substantiate your appeal.

 

 

Here are some key dates you should be aware of regarding property taxes in Douglas County, Colorado:

• Appraisal Date: June 30, 2022
• Assessment Date: January 1
• Study Period: July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022
• Appeal Period: May 1, 2023, to June 8, 2023

 

The Assessor’s Office mails out a notice of your property’s appraised value on May 1 each year. If you think the valuation is incorrect, you can appeal between May 1 and June 8.

 

 

These instructions are for homeowners who I have spoken with, and provided a detailed CMA (Comparable Market Analysis). If you believe that your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you appeal:

1. Start the appeal process online at the Douglas County appeal page.2. Type in your property’s address.
3. Click “File an Appeal,” then “Start Appeal.”
4. Fill in the contact fields, then click “Next.”
5. Enter your opinion of the property’s value. Note: I can provide an opinion based on data derived from my CMA.
6. Under “Reasons for Appeal” – Note:  I will recommend based on data derived from my CMA.
7. In the box underneath “Reasons for Appeal” – I will recommend language based on data derived from my CMA..
8. Click “Next.”
9. Upload the CMA I provide, then click “Next.”
10. Review all the information and, if everything’s in order, click “Submit.”
11. The assessor’s office will notify you of its decision on or before August 15.

 

 

Douglas County offers tax exemptions for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans.

• Seniors over 65 who have occupied their home as their primary residence for over ten years as of January 1 can avail of a state-funded property tax exemption.
• Similarly, disabled veterans with a 100% “permanent and total” disability rating from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs can apply for an exemption.

 

• Disabled Veteran Exemption Instructions
• Disabled Veteran Exemption Application
• Senior Exemption Form Instructions
• Senior Exemption Short Form
• Senior Exemption Long Form

 

 

 

The information provided in this blog post is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, it is not guaranteed or implied to be so. The information is subject to change and should not be relied upon without independent verification. I recommend that readers always consult with the appropriate professionals who specialize in these areas. This information is provided as a general guide and is not intended as legal or financial advice. Please always conduct your own research and due diligence, and consult a professional if necessary.