Homeowners

Property Tax Formula
Property tax is based on the following formula:

  • Appraised value of your home
But what is each of these values and how are they established?
The appraised value of a home (also known as the current or actual value) is determined by the Assessor's Office based on sales activity for a given period of time.  (Note: for 2023 and 2024, the current value will be based on sales through June 30, 2022).  Since property values change, the Assessor's Office must, by law, re-establish a home's appraised value every two years.

Assessment Ratio & Gallagher Amendment
Colorado law effectively gives residential properties a break every two years through what is known as the Gallagher Amendment.  Under this amendment, the assessment ratio of residential properties drops as residential values in the state increase.  Click here to see how the assessment rates have changed throughout the years. 

What does that mean to you as a property owner and taxpayer?
Simply stated, it means that even though the appraised value of your home may increase, your property tax bill may not necessarily follow.  

The residential assessment ratios for 2023 & 2024 range from 6.765% to 27.9% (except oil and gas, which is assessed at 87.5% of the actual value of production).  Notably, in 2008, oil and gas production and equipment represented nearly 55% of La Plata County's total 2008 property taxes levied. To see all assessment rates by property type click here.

Discovery of Property
This is the process of using data sources, field work, and permits to ensure that all taxable property that is assessable, as of January 1st of each year, is valued with a correct inventory for the applicable tax year, 39-1-105.  Please contact the appropriate building or planning department in the city, or if in a rural area, the county about the permitting process.

Listing
This is the process of correctly maintaining the ownership of taxable properties in order that the correct bill is sent to the proper person.  This includes reading and interpreting recorded documents and plats and being available to correct mailing addresses authorized by deed or the owners of property. To request an owner address change click here.

Value
The Assessor's Office Appraisal staff determines the appraised value of personal and real property in La Plata County for taxation purposes.  To be qualified to make these assessments, County Appraisers must have at least two years' experience, attain a minimum of 90 hours of specialized training and undertake 34 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain certification as a "licensed appraiser".  Some Assessor's Office staff possesses the high classification of "certified general appraiser", which requires 180 hours of classroom training and a minimum of 2.5 years' experience as an appraiser.

Manufactured Homes
Manufactured homes are subject to property taxation as if they were real property.
Find specific information regarding buying and selling, permanently affixing to land, relocating and destroying manufactured homes here.

Property Tax Exemptions
The Colorado Constitution establishes a property tax exemption for senior citizens, surviving spouses of senior citizens, disabled veterans and gold star spouses.  Select below for qualifications and how to apply:
Senior Exemption
Disabled Veteran Exemption
Gold Star Spouses Exemption

Personal Information on the Internet
Law enforcement officials, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking may have their personal information made unavailable on the internet.  For more information click here.

Appeals

Protest
Anyone who disagrees with changes in the actual value of real property can object or file a protest with the Assessor in may.  For more information click here.

Abatement
A property owner or the owner's agent may file an abatement petition with the County to officially request an abatement of taxes due or a refund of taxes paid.  The term abatement is frequently used to refer to both abatement and refund because the abatement petition is used under both circumstances.

This appeal process is similar to a protest filed during May, but can take many months to complete.  For more information click here.
Real Property Abatement Questionnaire 2021
Real Property Abatement Questionnaire 2022

Conjunctive Use
A vacant parcel of land, under common ownership, that is contiguous and used as an integral part of a residence, may be classified as residential property.  Answering the following questions will help the Assessor's Office make a determination.  Please answer the questions as completely as possible.
Conjunctive Use Questionnaire

Resources
Mailing Address Change Request
Property Records Search
Residential Sales