ALAMOSA — For tax years 2017 and 2018, the county assessor is required by law to appraise all real property at a June 30, 2016 level of value. Notices of Valuation reflecting the 2017 values may have been sent in January with the 2015 tax bill or will be sent to owners of real property by May 1. The information used by the assessor to value property is available for residents to review.

From May 2 through June 1, owners of real property may protest the value or the classification established by the assessor. This protest period provides an opportunity for the taxpayers to inform the assessor of errors in classification, property description, or other discrepancies that may result in a reduction in value or a change in classification.

Protests to the assessor must be postmarked or presented in person on or before June 1. The assessor must make a decision concerning a protest and mail the property owner a written Notice of Determination on or before the last working day in June. If the property owner is satisfied with the assessor’s determination, the tax bill they receive next January will be based on the value and classification reflected on the Notice of Determination.  

If the property owner disagrees with the assessor’s decision, they may file an appeal with the county board of equalization. An appeal to the county board of equalization must be postmarked or hand-delivered no later than July 17. The county board will notify the property owner by mail of the hearing date, time, and place where they may present evidence to substantiate their case. Evidence includes documentation such as the sales price of property similar to theirs that sold between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016.  The county board will conclude hearings and render decisions by the close of Business on August 5. The county board must mail a decision within five business days of the date of its decision. If the property owner is satisfied with the county board’s decision, the tax bill they receive next January will be based on the valuation and classification reflected in the county board’s decision.

If the property owner disagrees with the action of the county board, they may file an appeal with the State Board of Assessment Appeals or the district court or may request a binding arbitration hearing. The property owner’s appeal must be made within 30 days of the county board’s decision.

For additional information regarding the protest and appeal process, contact the county assessor at 719-589-6365.