Adams County Property Tax Appeal, Colorado

Travis BunnTravis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Watch: How to appeal your property taxes in Adams County

Adams County, Colorado is located north and east of Denver, with the county seat in Brighton. The county includes major population centers such as Commerce City, Northglenn, Thornton (the largest city), and Westminster. With a median home value of $425,000, the county's median annual property tax bill of $2,770 is above the national median of $2,400, while the effective property tax rate of 0.60% is significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%. Property tax appeals matter here because even a modest 10% over-assessment on the typical Adams County home means overpaying approximately $277 annually until corrected.

Notable cities: Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Thornton, Westminster

Median Home

$425,000

Tax Rate

0.60%

Annual Tax

$2,770

Population

560,079

On the typical Adams County home, valued near $425,000 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.60%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: May 1 through June 8, 2026

This year's appeal window has passed in most of Colorado. Order now and we re-run your numbers free when the window reopens, so your evidence is ready the day your next notice lands.

Real property appeals must be filed between May 1 and June 8 each year, regardless of whether it's a revaluation year or intervening year. If June 8 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. Notices of Valuation are mailed by May 1.

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How Adams County Assesses Property

6.25%of market value

Assessed by: Adams County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: biennial

Notices typically mailed: May 1

In Colorado, property tax is calculated using an assessment ratio rather than the full market value of your home. Adams County properties are assessed biennially, with all real property revalued every two years in odd-numbered years. If your home's market value is $425,000, at Colorado's 6.25% assessment ratio for residential property, your assessed value would be $26,563, resulting in approximately $2,550 in annual taxes at Adams County's effective rate of 0.60%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. County Board of Equalization hearings are conducted via telephone conference or at the Adams County Government Center between September and November. You'll present your evidence to hearing officers who will make recommendations to the Board, typically in a 10-15 minute presentation.

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Step 1: Review your Notice of Valuation received by May 1 to determine if you disagree with the assessed value. Compare it to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and verify property details are accurate.

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Step 2: Gather supporting evidence including comparable sales of similar properties sold during the assessment period (typically sales from the 24-month period ending June 30 of the prior year), photos documenting property condition or defects, repair estimates from licensed contractors, professional appraisals, and any other documentation showing your property is overvalued.

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Step 3: File your appeal between May 1 and June 8, 2026 using the online portal at https://assessor.adcogov.org/AdamsCountyNOVs/, by mail, email, fax, or in person. Include all supporting documentation and clearly state why you believe the valuation is incorrect.

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Step 4: The Assessor will review your appeal and mail a Notice of Determination by August 15. If you agree with the decision, no further action is required. If you disagree, you may appeal to the County Board of Equalization by September 15 using the form received with your determination.

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Step 5: If you appeal to the County Board of Equalization, you will receive a hearing notice with the date and time. Hearings are held between September 1 and November 1 via telephone conference or at the Adams County Government Center. Present your evidence to hearing officers who will make recommendations to the Board.

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Step 6: If dissatisfied with the County Board of Equalization decision, you have three options within 30 days: (1) appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals (state-level administrative appeal), (2) file for binding arbitration (final decision with no further appeal), or (3) file a petition in District Court.

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Step 7: For state Board of Assessment Appeals, contact the Board at 1313 Sherman Street, Room 315, Denver, CO 80203 or call 303-864-7710. The Board conducts videoconference hearings and issues written orders. Appeals to District Court must follow judicial procedures and may require legal representation.

Required form: Online appeal form via county portal or written protest letter

Filing Methods

online:File through the Adams County online portal at https://assessor.adcogov.org/AdamsCountyNOVs/ using the appeal code provided on your Notice of Valuation
mail:Mail written protest to Adams County Assessor's Office, 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Suite C2100, Brighton, CO 80601 (must be postmarked by June 8)
email:Email your appeal to assessor@adamscountyco.gov
fax:Fax to 720-523-6037
in-person:Deliver in person to Adams County Government Center, 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Suite C2100, Brighton, CO 80601

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales of similar properties from the relevant assessment periodProfessional appraisal reportsPhotographs documenting property condition, defects, or damageRepair estimates from licensed contractorsProperty records showing incorrect information (square footage, rooms, features)Market analysis or real estate agent comparative market analysis

Adams County Assessor Contact

Adams County Assessor's Office

Phone: 720-523-6038

Address: 4430 S. Adams County Parkway, Suite C2100, Brighton, CO 80601

Website: https://adamscountyco.gov/our-county/elected-officials/assessor/

Online Portal: https://assessor.adcogov.org/AdamsCountyNOVs/

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Adams County

Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption

50% of first $200,000 (maximum $100,000 exemption)

Exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the primary residence for qualifying senior citizens. The state reimburses local governments for the lost revenue when budget allows.

Eligibility: Must be at least 65 years old as of January 1 of the application year, have owned and occupied the home as primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1. Primary residence is where you are registered to vote. Only one exemption per property.Deadline: July 15

Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption

50% of first $200,000 (maximum $100,000 exemption)

Exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of the primary residence for qualifying disabled veterans with 100% permanent and total disability rating from the VA. The state reimburses the county for lost revenue.

Eligibility: Must have received honorable discharge and have 100% service-connected permanent disability rating or individually unemployable rating from VA. Must have owned and occupied the property as primary residence on January 1 of the year claiming the exemption. Cannot combine with senior exemption on the same property.Deadline: July 1

Surviving Spouse Exemption

50% of first $200,000 (maximum $100,000 exemption)

Available to surviving spouses of qualifying seniors or disabled veterans who previously held the exemption. The exemption continues as long as the surviving spouse continues to occupy the property as their primary residence.

Eligibility: Must be the surviving spouse of a senior or disabled veteran who previously qualified for the exemption. Must continue to own and occupy the property as primary residence. Must reapply after the death of the original qualifying spouse.Deadline: July 15 for senior surviving spouse, July 1 for veteran surviving spouse

Gold Star Spouse Exemption

50% of first $200,000 (maximum $100,000 exemption)

Available to surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty and received a death gratuity from the Department of Defense.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty. Must have received death gratuity from Department of Defense. Must own and occupy the property as primary residence.Deadline: July 1

Adams County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$650

Adams County Appeal Packet · $49

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Adams County for 2026?
The appeal deadline for Adams County is May 1 through June 8, 2026. This deadline applies to all real property appeals, whether it's a revaluation year or an intervening year. Your Notice of Valuation will be mailed by May 1, and you must submit your appeal by June 8. If June 8 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. Missing this deadline means you'll have to wait until the following year to appeal, so it's critical to file on time even if you're still gathering evidence.
How do I file a property tax appeal online in Adams County?
Adams County offers an online appeal portal at https://assessor.adcogov.org/AdamsCountyNOVs/ where you can file your appeal electronically. You'll need the appeal code printed on your Notice of Valuation postcard that you receive in the mail by May 1. Enter your account number and appeal code to access your property information, view comparables, and submit your appeal with supporting documentation. You can also file by mail to 4430 S. Adams County Pkwy., Suite C2100, Brighton, CO 80601, by email to assessor@adamscountyco.gov, by fax to 720-523-6037, or in person at the Government Center during business hours.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Adams County?
Adams County offers a Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption that exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of your home's actual value, providing a maximum exemption of $100,000 off your assessed value. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old as of January 1 and have owned and occupied your home as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years. At Adams County's effective tax rate of 0.60%, this exemption can save qualifying seniors approximately $600 or more annually. The state reimburses local governments for this lost revenue when the budget allows, so the program doesn't reduce funding for local services. The application deadline is July 15, and you only need to apply once unless ownership changes.
What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Adams County?
Board of Equalization hearings in Adams County are scheduled between September 1 and November 1 after you've received an unfavorable Notice of Determination from the Assessor and filed your appeal by September 15. The hearings are conducted via telephone conference or at the Adams County Government Center. You'll typically have 10-15 minutes to present your evidence, including comparable sales, photos, appraisals, and repair estimates, to hearing officers who make recommendations to the Board. The county assessor's office will also present their case. After the hearing, the Board issues a written decision. If you're still dissatisfied, you have 30 days to appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals, pursue binding arbitration, or file in District Court.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Adams County?
Successful property tax appeals in Adams County save homeowners an average of $650 per year, though savings vary based on your property's over-assessment and the strength of your evidence. With Adams County's median home value of $425,000 and effective tax rate of 0.60%, even a modest 10-15% reduction in assessed value could save you $255-$383 annually. Over the two-year assessment cycle, that's $510-$766 in total savings. National data shows about 25% of homes are overassessed, paying an average of $1,346 too much annually. The key to maximizing your savings is presenting strong comparable sales evidence showing your property is valued higher than similar homes that recently sold in your area.
What evidence do I need for an Adams County property tax appeal?
For a successful Adams County property tax appeal, you need comparable sales of similar properties from the relevant assessment period, typically the 24-month period ending June 30 of the year prior to the revaluation. Look for homes with similar size, age, condition, and location that sold during this timeframe. Also gather professional appraisals if available, photographs documenting property condition issues, defects, or damage that affect value, repair estimates from licensed contractors for needed work, and documentation of any incorrect property information in the assessor's records (such as wrong square footage, extra rooms, or features you don't have). The Assessor must provide their supporting data within three working days of your written request. Present only factual, market-based evidence rather than complaints about tax amounts or personal financial hardship.
Can I appeal my property taxes in Adams County during even-numbered years?
Yes, you can appeal your property taxes in Adams County during both odd and even-numbered years. While Colorado reassesses all properties biennially in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) and sends Notices of Valuation to all property owners, you retain the right to appeal during even or "intervening" years as well. The May 1 through June 8 appeal window applies every single year. During even years, you may need to request your property information from the Assessor since not all property owners receive notices, but the appeal process and deadlines remain the same. This is particularly useful if you discover errors in your assessment mid-cycle or if market conditions have changed significantly since the last revaluation.
What is the difference between market value and assessed value in Adams County?
In Adams County and throughout Colorado, your market value is the estimated sale price of your property based on comparable sales, while your assessed value is the portion of that market value subject to taxation. Colorado uses a 6.25% assessment ratio for residential properties, meaning only 6.25% of your home's market value is taxable. For example, if your home's market value is $425,000, your assessed value would be $26,563 (calculated as $425,000 × 0.0625). Your property tax bill is then calculated by multiplying this assessed value by the local mill levy. This assessment ratio system is why Colorado's effective property tax rates appear lower than many other states despite having substantial tax bills on higher-valued properties.

Official Resources

For state-wide appeal information including Colorado's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Colorado Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More Colorado Counties

Sources: https://adamscountyco.gov/our-county/elected-officials/assessor/appeals-process/ | https://assessor.adcogov.org/ | https://adamscountyco.gov/service/apply-for-exemptions/ | https://dpt.colorado.gov/locality/adams-county-assessor | https://www.appealdesk.com/appeals/colorado/adams | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/colorado/adams-county | https://baa.colorado.gov/

Last verified: 2026-07-24