Property Tax Issues Facing Douglas County Homeowners
I speak with residents and business owners every day and hear the same concerns: high property taxes, high insurance rates, high energy costs, and one of the highest costs of homeownership in the country. Some of these are directly addressable by state and local law, and it is not getting done.
Help for homeowners right now
How to read your Notice of Valuation
Colorado reappraises property every two years, in odd-numbered years. Your notice shows your property's actual value as of the appraisal date. That value, multiplied by the state's assessment rate and your local mill levies, produces your tax bill. The Assessor sets the value. The Assessor does not set tax rates; those come from the legislature and local taxing districts.
How to appeal your value
If you think your value is wrong, you have the right to appeal. Gather recent sales of similar homes nearby and any facts about your property's condition, then file with the Assessor's Office during the appeal window printed on your notice. Official forms and deadlines are on the Douglas County Assessor's website.
Watch for property tax scams
In 2026, AI-generated videos spread false claims about a federal property tax exemption form. There is no such federal program. Colorado's real relief programs are set in state law and handled through your county. If something sounds too good to be true, call the Assessor's Office before you sign anything.
Senior Property Tax Exemption
I support Colorado's Senior Property Tax Exemption. Seniors who have spent years paying property taxes into their community deserve stability as values and taxes rise. The Senior Exemption is under threat in Colorado. It must be protected and should be expanded, not weakened or eliminated.
See who qualifies and how to apply on the county's Senior Exemptions page.
Taxation
Taxes are a burden on families and small businesses, and government should keep that burden as low as possible. Public officials have a responsibility to respect taxpayers, control spending and remember that every tax dollar comes from someone who earned it.
Business Personal Property Tax
Property taxation on small business in Colorado is as burdensome as in any state. The commercial assessment rate is four times the residential rate, and businesses also pay tax on the fixtures, furniture and equipment inside their buildings. Residential personal property tax was eliminated in Colorado generations ago. Business personal property tax needs to be addressed, and local governments should act to reduce this burden.
Role of Government
Government should be limited to the responsibilities the people have given it through our Constitution. It should respect individual freedom, protect the rights of its citizens and exercise restraint when spending tax revenue.
Education
Choice in education is essential. Parents should have meaningful options when deciding how and where their children are educated. Families know their children best, and our education system should respect their ability to make those decisions.