Frequently Asked Questions

When an owner on a deed dies, the death certificate may need to be recorded with the Clerk and Recorder. For more information on recording a death certificate, visit the Clerk and Recorder or call: 719-836-4333

The rest of the process depends on what kind of ownership the property is.

If the property is joint tenancy, the recording of a death certificate may result in the deceased owner being removed, but we still recommend getting legal advice from an attorney or probate court to be certain.

If the property is tenants in common, the recording of the death certificate will not automatically result in the deceased owner being removed. You will need to contact probate court or an attorney to have the deceased owner removed. The Assessor’s Office is unable to provide any legal advice. Probate Court, 719-836-2940.

The Assessor’s Office is notified of changes in ownership by recorded documents.

The Assessor’s Office is unable to provide legal advice as to which document you should record.

The prepared deed will list all current owners as the seller, and all current owners plus the new person or people listed as the buyer. It must contain the legal description of the property and all current owners must sign the deed with a witness and notary. The new deed will be recorded with the Clerk and Recorders Office 719-836-4333.

Please contact Code Enforcement :  719-836-4259

Comparing Your Property

Gather as much information as you can on similar properties in your neighborhood. Compare the features of these properties to the features of your property. If there are differences, the values of the properties will probably be different.

• If you’ve recently purchased your property, what was the sale amount?
• If you’re thinking of selling, what price are you considering asking?
• How do these values compare with the estimated value the Assessor has placed on your property? 
• What do you believe your property value should be?

Visit our Sale Data for information pertaining to all property classes (Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Vacant Land). These lists are also available for research on our website.

Pursuant to Colorado State General Property Tax Law, residential properties may only be valued by the market approach to value. The market approach is defined by the Dictionary of Real Estate Appraisal, 3rd Edition as: “The most probable price, as of a specified date, in cash, or in terms equivalent to cash, or in other precisely revealed terms for which the specified property rights should sell after reasonable exposure in a competitive market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, with the buyer and seller each acting prudently, knowledgeably, and for self-interest, and assuming that neither is under undue duress.”

TIP: A square-foot value is not the Market Approach!!

Let’s Avoid An Appeal

If you have found a discrepancy in the Assessor’s data, please contact our office! Our goal is to have correct and complete assessment records. If the Assessor’s records don’t reflect the correct inventory, a fair value cannot be estimated. While an informal review is not necessary to appeal your property value, it can be beneficial and avoid an appeal. The month of May is the formal appeal period, however the Assessor’s Office is always available to review property records and discuss concerns regarding property value or classification.

The purpose of an informal review should be:

• to verify the information on your property record;
•  to ensure your understanding how your value was estimated
• to discover whether you qualify for any exemptions; and
• to be sure you understand how to file an appeal

The staff-member conducting the meeting will review your property records and comparable properties. We encourage you to submit any information you have gathered. If you have uncovered an error, it is possible that a staff appraiser needs to visit your property to ascertain whether discrepancies or changes to the property warrant a value or classification change. It is also possible that a decision regarding a change may require further research, or documentation may be requested (photos, formal appraisals, etc.).

After reviewing your inventory, comparing like-properties and reviewing sales, if you still feel your property value is incorrect, an Appeal may be in order.