County Assessor outlines new property appeal process for homeowners

During the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting held on April 22, 2025, significant discussions centered around the upcoming property value notifications and the appeal process for property owners in El Paso County. The county assessor's office announced that notices of value will be sent out on May 1, detailing the net changes in property values for both residential and commercial properties. This notification will include previous and current values for 2025, along with instructions for property owners on how to appeal their assessments.

Property owners have a window from May 1 to June 9 to file appeals, as the deadline extends due to the weekend. Appeals can be submitted through various methods, including online, by mail, in person, or via fax. The assessor emphasized the importance of providing specific reasons for appeals, such as citing comparable sales or independent appraisals, rather than general statements about high taxes.

A notable legislative change was also discussed: counties with populations over 300,000, like El Paso, are now required to use an extended appeal process. This means that assessors have until August 15 to respond to appeals, a significant extension from the previous June 30 deadline. Additionally, hearings by the county board of equalization, which is part of the commissioners' responsibilities, have been rescheduled to conclude by November 3, allowing taxpayers more time to prepare their cases.

The meeting highlighted the complexities of the appeal process, including options for further appeals to higher authorities if homeowners are dissatisfied with initial decisions. These options include the state board of assessment appeals and binding arbitration, which may involve additional costs for homeowners.

Overall, the discussions underscored the county's efforts to provide transparency and support for property owners navigating the assessment and appeal process, while also adapting to new legislative requirements that aim to enhance taxpayer rights. As the May 1 notification date approaches, property owners are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appeal process to ensure their concerns are adequately addressed.