Arapahoe County Property Tax Appeal — Colorado

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Arapahoe County is one of Colorado's most populous counties, situated in the Denver metro area. The county seat is Littleton, with major population centers including Aurora, Centennial, and parts of Denver. With a median home value of $387,300 and an effective property tax rate of 0.70%, homeowners pay a median annual tax bill of $2,536. This is $136 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400, though the effective tax rate is significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.

Notable cities: Littleton, Aurora, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village

Median Home

$387,300

Tax Rate

0.70%

Annual Tax

$2,536

Population

655,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 15, 2026 for real property and July 20, 2026 for personal property

If you disagree with the Assessor's determination, you must file a written petition to the County Board of Equalization on or before July 15, 2026 for real property. The initial appeal to the Assessor must be filed by June 9, 2026.

Property in Arapahoe County, Colorado — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Arapahoe County Assesses Property

6.8%of market value

Assessed by: Arapahoe County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: biennial

Notices typically mailed: May

The assessor determines the actual (market) value for all real and personal property. Then a percentage (assessment rate) is multiplied by the actual value to determine the assessed value. For example, if your home's market value is $387,300, at Colorado's 6.8% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $26,336, resulting in approximately $2,141 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.70%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. The arbitration process is an informal process coordinated by the CBOE, with a hearing held before a single independent arbitrator. For District Court appeals, it is a de novo hearing where testimony, exhibits, and evidence may be introduced.

Step 1: File your initial appeal with the Assessor between May 1 and June 9, 2026, using the appeal form provided

Step 2: The Assessor must make a decision and mail a Notice of Determination by August 15, 2026

Step 3: If you disagree with the Assessor's decision, file a written appeal with the County Board of Equalization by September 15, 2026

Step 4: The County Board of Equalization will mail decision letters on or about November 4, 2026

Step 5: If still unsatisfied, you have 30 days to either file with the State Board of Assessment Appeals, file with Arapahoe County District Court, or pursue arbitration

Required form: Appeal form provided by Assessor

Filing Methods

online:Online appeal website available

mail:5334 S. Prince Street, Littleton, CO 80120-1136

in-person:Arapahoe County Assessor's Office between May 2 and June 8, 2026

email:Valuationappealappointment@https://arapahoegov.com for appointments

Evidence to Bring

Estimated value of property as of June 30, 2024Comparable sales (must be before June 30, 2024)Supporting documentation

Arapahoe County Assessor Contact

Arapahoe County Assessor's Office

Phone: (303) 795-4600

Address: 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO 80120

Website: https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/assessor/index.php

Online Portal: https://co-arapahoe.publicaccessnow.com/

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Walk-ins welcome, appointments recommended)

Tax Exemptions in Arapahoe County

Senior Homestead Exemption

50% of first $200,000 of actual value

50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of primary residence exempted from property tax

Eligibility: Must be at least 65 years old on January 1 and must have occupied the home as primary residence for at least 10 consecutive yearsDeadline: July 15, 2026

Disabled Veteran Exemption

50% of the first $200,000 of a home's value

Exemption for qualifying veterans with a disability who previously received the exemption

Eligibility: Veterans who have a 100% permanent service-connected disabilityDeadline: July 1, 2026

Surviving Spouse Exemption

Same as veteran or senior exemption

Available to surviving spouses of qualifying veterans with a disability who previously received the exemption

Eligibility: Surviving spouse of qualifying veteran with disability who has not remarriedDeadline: July 1, 2026

Official Resources

Arapahoe County Assessor Website →

Official website of the Arapahoe County Assessor's Office with property search, appeal forms, and exemption information

Arapahoe County Online Property Search →

Search for property information including parcel numbers, ownership, and assessment values

Colorado Division of Property Taxation →

State resource for property tax exemption applications and general property tax information

Arapahoe County Board of Equalization →

Information about the County Board of Equalization appeal process and next steps after the Assessor's decision

Check Your Arapahoe County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Arapahoe County?

The initial appeal window for real property in Arapahoe County runs from May 1 to June 9, 2026. Your appeal must be postmarked or received by the Assessor no later than June 9. If you disagree with the Assessor's determination, you must then file with the County Board of Equalization by July 15, 2026 for real property or July 20, 2026 for personal property. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to appeal for that tax year.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Arapahoe County online?

Arapahoe County offers an online appeal website where you can file your property tax appeal electronically. You do not need to register to use this website - simply click on the appeal option to begin. You can also email Valuationappealappointment@https://arapahoegov.com to schedule a phone appointment for your appeal, including your phone number and property information. Note that all agent appeals must be submitted by mail or fax.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Arapahoe County?

The senior homestead exemption in Arapahoe County provides 50 percent off the first $200,000 of actual value of your primary residence. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old on January 1 and must have occupied the home as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years. For example, one Centennial homeowner saved $750 with the senior homestead exemption on their 2026 tax bill. The application deadline for 2026 is July 15, 2026.

What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in Arapahoe County?

The County Board of Equalization handles property tax protests after the Assessor's initial decision. Decision letters from the Board are mailed on or about November 4, 2026. If you disagree with their decision, you have 30 days to file with either the State Board of Assessment Appeals, Arapahoe County District Court, or notify the Board of your intent to pursue arbitration. The arbitration process is informal, with hearings before an independent arbitrator agreed upon by both parties.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Arapahoe County?

Recent property tax increases in Arapahoe County have ranged from 20% to more than 40%, with some homeowners seeing increases of more than $1,000 over two years. Property tax bills vary significantly - at the 25th percentile the bill is $1,819, while at the 75th percentile it reaches $3,834. While the county doesn't publish average reduction amounts, successfully appealing an overvaluation could potentially save hundreds to thousands of dollars annually. You'll need to provide an estimated value of your property as of June 30, 2024, along with supporting documentation.

What evidence do I need for an Arapahoe County property tax appeal?

For your Arapahoe County property tax appeal, you must include an estimated value of your property as of June 30, 2024, along with supporting documentation. Comparable sales that occurred after June 30, 2024 cannot be considered. You can find sales prices in your neighborhood through the county's online property search, in-office customer service kiosks, or the comp sheet mailed with your Notice of Valuation. Property sales information is available online at https://www.arapahoegov.com/assessor.

Can I appeal my property taxes if I disagree with the assessed value?

You may only appeal your property's actual value or classification - you cannot appeal the tax rate itself. You can come into the office during May to speak to an appraiser about your value. If you choose to appeal, you must provide pertinent information supporting your estimated value, and the appeal must be postmarked by the first business day in June. There is an appeal window open each May where you may appeal your value, and this appeal must be postmarked by the first business day each June.

What are the assessment ratios for different property types in Arapahoe County?

The residential assessment rate in Colorado is 6.8% for tax year 2026. Agricultural property is assessed at 27%, and all commercial property including Commercial Renewable Energy is also assessed at 27%. For example, a $387,300 home (actual value) x 6.8% (residential assessment rate) x the local mill levy equals your annual property tax. Your actual value is reduced by any exemptions, then multiplied by the assessment ratio to get your assessed value, which is then multiplied by your individual mill levy.

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

Adams County (Brighton)Denver County (Denver)Douglas County (Castle Rock)El Paso County (Colorado Springs)Jefferson County (Golden)

← All Colorado property tax appeal info

Sources: https://taxsearch.arapahoegov.com/FileDownload.ashx?AIN=Inserts | https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/frequently_asked_questions.php | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/colorado/arapahoe-county | https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/assessor/index.php | https://www.arapahoeco.gov/your_county/county_departments/assessor/appeals/appealing_real_property_valuation.php

Last verified: 2026-02-15