Protest & Appeal Procedures

Real Property 

Land & Improvements

Colorado statutes define “Improvements” as: “Improvements” means all structures, buildings, fixtures, fences, and water rights erected upon or affixed to the land, whether or not the title to such land has been acquired. 39-1-102(7), C.R.S.

The appraisal data used to establish real property value was from the 18-month period ending June 30, 2022. If data is insufficient during this time period, assessors may use data from the five-year period ending June 30, 2022.

Your property was valued, as it existed on January 1 of the current year. The “current year actual value” represents the actual value of your property. The tax notice you receive next January will be based on this value.

An assessment percentage will be applied to the actual value of your property before property taxes are calculated.

The 2022 Assessment percentage for residences is 6.95% and 6.80% for multi-family. Generally, all other properties, including vacant land, commercial and natural resources are assessed at 29%.  For 2022 agricultural and renewable energy is assessed at 26.4%. 39-1-104(1) and (1.5)(a), C.R.S.

Property Taxes are determined by multiplying the total actual value times the appropriate assessment rate, to determine the assessed or taxable value. The assessed value is multiplied by the aggregate total mill levy for that tax area to determine total property tax amounts. The Assessor’s primary responsibility is to locate, identify, and value all of the taxable property in his jurisdiction. Each year on or before May 1st, the Assessor’s Office sends out a Notice of Value, which establishes the actual value for each property based on the physical and legal condition of that property as of January 1st of the current year.

PROTESTS BY MAIL: If you choose to mail a written protest, you may elect to complete the protest form contained on the Notice of Valuation and mail (i.e. FAX, United States Postal Service, or courier service) it to the Assessor at 140 W. Main St. Suite 3, Cortez, Colorado. Our FAX number is 970-565-1247. To preserve your right to protest, your mailed protest MUST be postmarked no later than June 8, 2023.

TO PRESERVE YOUR APPEAL RIGHTS, YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO PROVE THAT YOU HAVE FILED A TIMELY APPEAL; THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND ALL CORRESPONDENCE BE MAILED WITH PROOF OF MAILING. IF YOU APPOINT AN AGENT TO ACT ON YOUR BEHALF, THAT PERSON NEEDS YOUR WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION. 

PROTESTS IN PERSON: If you choose to present oral or written objections to the Assessor in person, you may elect to complete the protest form contained on the Notice of Valuation. Our Office is located at the Montezuma County Annex #3, 140 W. Main St. Suite 3, Cortez, Colorado. To preserve your right to protest, you MUST appear in the County Assessor’s Office on or before June 8, 2023, between the hours of 7:45 am and 5:30 pm, Monday-Thursday.

AFTER THESE DATES, YOUR RIGHT TO APPEAL IN 2023 IS LOST. 

ASSESSOR’S DETERMINATION: By law, the Assessor must make a decision on your protest and mail a Notice of Determination notifying you of their decision. The Notice of Determination will be mailed from this office on or before June 30, 2023.

APPEALING THE ASSESSOR’S DECISION: If you are not satisfied with the Assessor’s determination, by law you must file a written appeal with the County Board of Equalization. See instruction on the Notice of Determination form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING 2023 REAL PROPERTY VALUATIONS AND/OR APPEALS, CONTACT THE MONTEZUMA COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE AT 970-565-3428.