El Paso County Property Tax Appeal, Colorado

Travis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Watch: How to appeal your property taxes in El Paso County

El Paso County is the most populous county in Colorado with approximately 757,000 residents as of 2025, surpassing even Denver County. The county seat is Colorado Springs, the state's second-largest city with nearly 500,000 residents. Property tax appeals are particularly important here because El Paso County's effective tax rate of 0.38% is significantly below both the Colorado state median of 0.50% and the national median of 1.02%, yet the county's rapid growth and reassessment cycle can still result in substantial tax increases. With a median home value around $455,000 and a median annual tax bill of $1,745, homeowners who successfully appeal overassessments can save hundreds to thousands of dollars over the two-year assessment cycle.

Notable cities: Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, Manitou Springs, Falcon

Median Home

$455,000

Tax Rate

0.38%

Annual Tax

$1,745

Population

757,000

On the typical El Paso County home, valued near $455,000 at the county’s effective tax rate of 0.38%, 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: June 8, 2026 for initial assessor appeal; July 15, 2026 for County Board of Equalization

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.

The informal appeal window to the County Assessor runs from May 1, 2026 through June 8, 2026 for real property. After receiving a Notice of Determination from the Assessor (issued by August 15), dissatisfied taxpayers may appeal to the County Board of Equalization by July 15, 2026. CBOE hearings run from July 6 through August 5, 2026.

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Colorado homes beneath snow-covered mountains. El Paso County appeal guide.

How El Paso County Assesses Property

6.25%of market value

Assessed by: El Paso County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: biennial

Notices typically mailed: May

Colorado uses a split assessment system for residential property. For 2025-2026, the local government assessment rate is 6.25% while schools use 7.05%. If your home's market value is $455,000, at the 6.25% assessment ratio for local government your assessed value would be $28,438. Combined with the school assessment rate, at El Paso County's effective rate of 0.38%, this results in approximately $1,729 in annual property taxes. This assessment is applied to the market value determined by the Assessor based on comparable home sales from January 2023 through June 2024.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the County Board of Equalization. CBOE hearings are conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams by independent referees appointed by the Board. Each party (taxpayer and Assessor) has 10 minutes to present their case and evidence. A written decision is mailed within 5 business days following the hearing.

Step 1: Review your Notice of Valuation mailed in May 2026 and verify property characteristics are correct on the Assessor's website. Use the 'Citizen Comper' tool to research comparable sales in your neighborhood from the January 2023 to June 2024 time period.

Step 2: File an informal appeal with the El Paso County Assessor by June 8, 2026 using the online portal at assessor.elpasoco.com/appeals, by mail, phone (719-520-6600), email, or in person. Include supporting documentation such as comparable sales, recent appraisal, photos showing property condition, or evidence of property record errors.

Step 3: The Assessor will review your appeal and issue a Notice of Determination by August 15, 2026. If you agree with the adjusted value, the process ends. If not satisfied, proceed to the next level.

Step 4: If you disagree with the Assessor's determination, file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization by July 15, 2026. Mail one copy to: Clerk to the Board, P.O. Box 2007, Colorado Springs, CO 80901-2007, or submit online. CBOE hearings are conducted by independent referees.

Step 5: Attend your virtual CBOE hearing (conducted via Microsoft Teams) between July 6 and August 5, 2026. You will have 10 minutes to present evidence. Submit all evidence at least 3 days prior to your scheduled hearing. The referee will issue a written decision within 5 business days.

Step 6: If dissatisfied with the CBOE decision, you have three appeal options within 30 days: (1) Appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals, (2) File for binding arbitration with the El Paso County Commissioners, or (3) File a petition in District Court.

Step 7: For state-level appeal, contact the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals at baa.colorado.gov. BAA hearings are conducted via videoconference with exhibits and witness lists due 4 weeks before the hearing.

Required form: Notice of Valuation form (back of NOV) or online appeal submission

Filing Methods

online:https://assessor.elpasoco.com/appeals or https://appeals.spatialest.com/co-elpaso

mail:El Paso County Assessor's Office, 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 2300, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

in-person:1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 2300, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

email:ASRWEB@elpasoco.com

phone:719-520-6600

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 (the legal valuation period for 2025-2026)Recent independent appraisal reportPhotos documenting property condition, defects, or damageDocumentation of property record errors (incorrect square footage, features, lot size)Contractor estimates for needed repairs or defectsIncome data for income-producing propertiesLetters from government agencies regarding development limitations or easements

El Paso County Assessor Contact

El Paso County Assessor's Office

Phone: 719-520-6600

Address: 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road, Suite 2300, Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Website: https://assessor.elpasoco.com/

Online Portal: https://assessor.elpasoco.com/appeals

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in El Paso County

Senior Property Tax Homestead Exemption

50% of the first $200,000 in actual value (maximum exemption of $100,000)

Reduces the taxable actual value of a primary residence for qualifying seniors age 65 and older

Eligibility: Must be age 65 or older as of January 1 of application year; must have owned and occupied the property as primary residence for 10 consecutive years prior to January 1; property must be classified as residentialDeadline: July 15 (late applications accepted through August 15 but forfeit appeal rights)

Veterans with a Disability Property Tax Exemption

50% of the first $200,000 in actual value (maximum exemption of $100,000)

Property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Must be a veteran with a service-connected disability as certified by the VA; must own and occupy the property as primary residence; property must be classified as residentialDeadline: July 15

Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption

50% of the first $200,000 in actual value (maximum exemption of $100,000)

Property tax exemption for surviving spouses of military service members who died in the line of duty

Eligibility: Must be the surviving spouse of a service member killed in action or who died from service-connected injuries; must own and occupy the property as primary residenceDeadline: July 15

Qualified Senior Primary Residential Classification (Temporary 2025-2026)

50% of the first $200,000 in actual value

Temporary program allowing seniors who moved and lost their senior exemption to have it reinstated at their new primary residence

Eligibility: Must have previously received the Senior Homestead Exemption on another property in 2020 or later and lost it because of moving to a new primary residenceDeadline: March 15 (late applications through July 15)

El Paso County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in El Paso County for 2026?

There are two key deadlines for El Paso County property tax appeals in 2026. First, you must file an informal appeal with the County Assessor between May 1 and June 8, 2026 after receiving your Notice of Valuation. If you disagree with the Assessor's Notice of Determination (issued by August 15), you can then appeal to the County Board of Equalization by July 15, 2026. Missing the June 8 deadline means you forfeit your right to appeal for that assessment cycle, and you'll be stuck with the county's valuation for the next two years until the next reassessment.

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

El Paso County offers convenient online filing through their website at assessor.elpasoco.com/appeals or through the direct portal at appeals.spatialest.com/co-elpaso. To file online, you'll need your 10-digit parcel or schedule number from your Notice of Valuation, which is located in the upper left area of the notice. Through the online system, you can review your property record, upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales data or photos, and submit your appeal electronically. The online portal allows you to track your appeal status and receive notifications about your case throughout the process.

What is the homestead exemption worth in El Paso County, Colorado?

El Paso County offers the Senior Property Tax Homestead Exemption, which exempts 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value from taxation, providing a maximum exemption of $100,000 in actual value. For a qualifying senior homeowner, this typically translates to annual tax savings of approximately $500 to $700, depending on the specific mill levy in their tax district. To qualify, you must be at least 65 years old as of January 1, have owned and occupied your home as your primary residence for 10 consecutive years, and apply by July 15. The state of Colorado reimburses the county for the exempted taxes, so this exemption is funded regardless of local budget constraints.

What happens at a Board of Equalization hearing in El Paso County?

El Paso County Board of Equalization hearings are conducted virtually through Microsoft Teams by independent referees appointed by the Board. Hearings run from July 6 through August 5, 2026, Monday through Thursday as needed. Both you and the Assessor each have exactly 10 minutes to present your case and evidence regarding the property's value. You must submit all evidence at least 3 days prior to your scheduled hearing date, as the referee does not automatically receive documentation you may have provided during the earlier Assessor appeal. The hearing is your opportunity to present comparable sales from the January 2023 to June 2024 timeframe, photos, appraisals, or evidence of property record errors. Within 5 business days after the hearing, you'll receive a written decision by mail.

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

The potential savings from a successful property tax appeal in El Paso County depends on how much you can reduce your assessed value. With El Paso County's effective tax rate of 0.38%, every $10,000 reduction in market value saves you approximately $38 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your home's assessed value from $455,000 to $420,000 (a $35,000 reduction), you would save approximately $133 annually. Since Colorado reassesses properties every two years in odd-numbered years, a successful appeal provides savings for two full tax years until the next reassessment cycle. Additionally, about 25% of homes nationally are overassessed, meaning many El Paso County homeowners may be paying more than their fair share.

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

The strongest evidence for an El Paso County property tax appeal includes comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024, this is the legally mandated data-gathering period for the 2025-2026 assessment cycle, and only sales from this timeframe will be considered valid. You can use the County Assessor's 'Citizen Comper' tool at assessor.elpasoco.com to research comparable sales. Other valuable evidence includes a recent independent appraisal, photographs documenting property condition or defects, contractor estimates for needed repairs, and documentation showing errors in your property record such as incorrect square footage, wrong number of bathrooms, or features you don't have. If property characteristics are incorrect on the Assessor's record, documenting these errors is often the easiest path to a successful appeal.

Can I appeal to the state if the County Board of Equalization denies my appeal in El Paso County?

Yes, if you're dissatisfied with the El Paso County Board of Equalization decision, Colorado law provides three appeal options, and you must choose one within 30 days of the decision being mailed. First, you can appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA), a state-level agency under the Department of Local Affairs that conducts videoconference hearings with exhibits due 4 weeks before the hearing. Second, you can request binding arbitration through the El Paso County Commissioners, which provides the fastest resolution but results in a final, non-appealable decision. Third, you can file a petition in District Court for a judicial review. The BAA option is most popular because of the agency's expertise in property tax matters and lower costs compared to court proceedings.

Does El Paso County reassess property values every year?

No, El Paso County reassesses real property values every two years during odd-numbered years, following Colorado state law. The most recent reassessment was for the 2025-2026 tax years, using comparable sales data from the 18-month period between January 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. The next reassessment will occur in 2027 for the 2027-2028 tax years. This biennial cycle means that your property's assessed value remains the same for two years unless you successfully appeal or make significant improvements to your property. During even-numbered years, property values remain at the levels set during the previous odd-year reassessment, though new construction and improvements are still assessed. El Paso County reported 283,492 active real property parcels as of 2023.

Official Resources

El Paso County Assessor Website →

Official website with property search, assessment information, exemption applications, and appeal resources.

El Paso County Online Property Tax Appeal Portal →

Direct online filing system for submitting property tax appeals with the County Assessor.

Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals →

State-level appeals board for property owners dissatisfied with County Board of Equalization decisions.

Colorado Division of Property Taxation →

State agency providing property tax information, assessment guidelines, and exemption program details.

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)Arapahoe County (Aurora)Boulder County (Boulder)Denver County (Denver)Douglas County (Castle Rock)Eagle County (Eagle)

← All Colorado property tax appeal info

Sources: https://assessor.elpasoco.com/ | https://clerkandrecorder.elpasoco.com/clerk-to-the-board/board-of-equalization-appeal-process/ | https://www.elpasoco.com/public-notice-from-the-el-paso-county-assessors-office-on-real-property-classifications-and-valuations/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/colorado/el-paso-county | https://assessor.elpasoco.com/senior-property-tax-exemption/ | https://baa.colorado.gov/

Last verified: 2026-07-24