When the assessor's number is too high
County assessors value thousands of properties at once using mass appraisal models. Those models work reasonably well on average and poorly on buildings with real problems: high vacancy, below market leases, functional issues, or tenants who have left. An independent appraisal is the strongest evidence an owner can bring to an appeal.
The 2027 reappraisal
Colorado reappraises all real property every odd numbered year. Here is how the next cycle is expected to run, based on the statutory schedule:
- June 30, 2026Valuation date for the 2027 reappraisal. Values reflect the market as of this date.
- By May 1, 2027County assessors mail Notices of Valuation.
- May into early June 2027Protest window with the assessor. Exact deadlines vary by county.
- Summer 2027Appeals to the county board of equalization, then to the state Board of Assessment Appeals, district court, or arbitration.
The appeal windows are short. If you expect to appeal, it helps to order the appraisal before notices go out.
What the appraisal covers
We value the property as of the statutory date using the market, income, and cost approaches that Colorado requires assessors to consider for commercial property. The report documents market rent, vacancy, expenses, and cap rates with evidence from the study period, so it holds up at the assessor level and beyond. Office, industrial, retail, and apartment properties are all eligible.
Common questions
Do I need an appraisal to appeal?
Not always. Many appeals are settled with income and expense statements and a few comparable sales. An appraisal is most useful for larger properties, for appeals that go past the assessor to the county board of equalization, or when the property has problems a mass appraisal model misses.
Do you work with tax consultants and attorneys?
Yes. We can prepare the appraisal for the owner directly or for the consultant or attorney handling the appeal.
Which counties do you cover?
Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Douglas, Broomfield, and Boulder counties, plus Larimer and El Paso counties on request.
We provide appraisals, not tax or legal advice. Confirm deadlines with your county assessor, and talk to a tax professional or attorney about appeal strategy.