Appeal Property Tax Assessment - Aurora, CO

Taxation and Finance Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Aurora, Colorado homeowners often receive assessed values from county assessors that affect yearly property taxes. This guide explains how to review your assessment, gather evidence, and file an appeal with the county board or assessor office serving your Aurora property. Aurora spans Adams, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, so confirm which county has jurisdiction for your address before starting.

Overview: who hears appeals

Appeals of property tax assessments for Aurora properties are handled by the county board of equalization or assessor office for the county in which the property is located. Typical first steps are to contact the county assessor to request a review and to obtain comparable sales and valuation details from the assessor’s records.

Confirm which county your Aurora property is in before filing an appeal.

Preparing an appeal

Document the basis for your appeal: errors in property description, incorrect square footage, comparable sales showing lower market value, or appraisal reports. Organize evidence and a concise written statement. The more objective market data you can supply, the stronger your case.

  • Collect assessor records and recent sales for similar properties.
  • Obtain a qualified appraisal if the market-value gap is substantial.
  • Note filing deadlines for the county board of equalization and any interim review dates.
  • Decide whether to request an informal review with the assessor or file a formal appeal with the county board.

Penalties & Enforcement

Appealing an assessed value does not usually suspend the obligation to pay property taxes by the county due date. Failure to pay taxes on time may trigger penalties or interest under county treasurer rules; the exact amounts and rates vary by county and are set by the county treasurer or Colorado law. For specific penalty rates and calculation methods, consult your county treasurer or assessor office in the Resources below.

Paying disputed taxes on time preserves your rights and avoids late penalties.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on a single consolidated Aurora page - consult the county treasurer for exact interest and penalty rates.
  • Escalation: counties may assess additional interest on continuing unpaid balances; specifics are set by county rules or state statute and are not specified on a single city page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: tax liens and eventual tax sale are enforcement tools if taxes remain unpaid.
  • Enforcer: county treasurer enforces collection; county assessor administers valuations; appeals are heard by the county board of equalization or equivalent body.
  • Inspection and complaint: contact your county assessor to request a records review or physical inspection; see Resources below.
  • Appeal/review time limits: filing deadlines vary by county and tax year; check the county assessor or board of equalization page for exact filing windows.
  • Defences/discretion: common defences include clerical errors, incorrect property characteristics, and market-value disputes; assessors or boards may grant adjustments or exemptions where justified.

Applications & Forms

Most counties provide an informal review request form and a formal appeal or petition to the county board of equalization. Fees are typically not charged for filing an assessment appeal, but check your county’s assessor page for forms, submission methods, deadlines, and any local filing fees. If a specific form number or fee is required for your county, it will be listed on that county’s official assessor or board page.

How to file an appeal - key action steps

  1. Confirm the county that covers your Aurora address and record the official filing deadline.
  2. Request your property record card and comparable-sales data from the county assessor.
  3. Assemble evidence: sales, photos, and any professional appraisal.
  4. Submit an informal review with the assessor, if available, and document the outcome.
  5. If informal review fails, file the formal petition with the county board of equalization by the stated deadline.
  6. If the county decision is adverse, consider appeal to the Colorado State Board of Assessment Appeals or appropriate court—note further deadlines and procedures.

FAQ

How long do I have to file an assessment appeal?
Deadlines vary by county; check the assessor or county board of equalization page for the exact filing window for your tax year.
Will filing an appeal stop tax collection?
No; filing an appeal usually does not automatically suspend tax payment obligations—pay taxes timely or you risk penalties while pursuing the appeal.
Do I need a professional appraisal?
Not always, but a licensed appraisal can strengthen cases where market value is disputed significantly.

How-To

  1. Verify your county jurisdiction for the property.
  2. Request and review the assessor records and comparable sales.
  3. Gather supporting documents and photos showing errors or lower market value.
  4. File informal review with the assessor, then formal petition with the county board if needed.
  5. Attend the hearing with organized evidence and a concise oral statement.
  6. If denied, evaluate further appeal options and deadlines with county or state review bodies.

Key Takeaways

  • Know your county and deadlines before you act.
  • Strong, market-based evidence improves appeal outcomes.
  • Contact your county assessor or treasurer for exact procedures and penalty details.

Help and Support / Resources

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