Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

How is my property value determined?
Values are most often determined by comparing your property with properties that are similar in location, design, size, age, and amenities, and which sold in the base period between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002. This is known as the Sales Comparison Approach. The values for your residential property are available from our office and will be included in your Notice of Value, which is mailed to you on May 1 of odd numbered years.

How are property taxes calculated?
Actual value multiplied by the assessment rate multiplied by the mill levy divided by 1000 equals tax dollars. For 2002, the residential assessment rate is 7.96%. The assessment rate for all other property, including vacant land is 29%. ( For example: $150,000 (actual value) x 7.96% (residential assessment rate) x 70(mill levy) ü by 1000 = $835.80 (tax dollars).

Who sets the mill levy?
Each individual taxing authority such as school, county, city, fire district, water and sanitation district, and recreation district. These authorities provide services to you and are listed on your last tax notice.

Can you appeal your property taxes to the Assessor?
No. You may only appeal your property's actual value, or classification. Objections to the level of taxation have to be taken to the taxing authorities (see question above). Colorado provides tax deferrals and rebates for some seniors. For information on these programs, call 970-264-5656 and ask for a brochure.

Doesn't the Tabor Amendment for 1992 prevent my taxes from rising?
No. The Tabor Amendment (Amendment 1 of 1992) controls the amount that the State and local governments can collect and spend. It does not limit the rate of increase of an individual tax bill.

Why don't all property valies increase or decrease by the same percentage?
Each property is revalued to a June 30, 2002 value regardless of the percentage change. Some people think the previous values are simply multiplied by an inflation factor, but in a reappraisal, all the data from the relevant time frame is used, along with the latest mass appraisal techniques.

If I do not agree with the actual value, what steps should I take?
You may come into the office during May to speak with an appraiser about your value. Or, you may write a letter; it must be postmarked by May 29. It is important to remember that if you choose to appeal the Assessor's value, you should provide pertinent information supporting your estimated value. If you appoint an agent to act on your behalf, that person needs your written authorization.

IÕm not sure if I should appeal or not. How can I find out the sale prices of properties in my neighborhood for the 18-month period prior to June 30, 2002?
You can get the information you need by searching for residential property with our online database, or by using the customer service terminals at the County Courthouse.

What happens after I appeal?
The Assessor's Office will review all appeals and respond by letter by the end of June. In some cases the Assessor's Office might need to make a physical inspection of the property. We will make every effort to do this during the month of June. If you are dissatisfied with the Assessor's response, you may appeal to the County Board of Equalization.

What do the codes mean on the parcel report?

Code	Description
AD	AFFID & DEATH CERT
AE	AVIGATION EASEMENT
AF	AFFIDAVIT
AG	AGREEMENT
AM	AMENDMENT
AO	ARTICLES ORGANIZATION
AS	ASSIGNMENT
BG	BARGIN/SALE DEED
BP	BUILDING PERMIT
BS	BILL OF SALE
CC	CORPORATE DEED TC
CD	CORPORATE DEEB
CE	CONSERVATION EASEMENT
CJ	CORPORATE DEED JT
CN	CONTRACT
CP	CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE
CR	CONSERVATOR'S DEED
CT	CERTIFICATE
CV	CONVENANTS/RESTRICTS
DC	DEATH CERTIFICATE
DD	DEED DISTRIBUTION
DL	DECLARATION
DR	DECREE
DT	DEED OF TRUST
ES	EASEMENT
GD	GIFT DEED
GR	GRANT DEED
HA	HIGHWAY ACCESS PERMIT
JD	JUDGEMENT
LT	LETTERS
OD	ORDINANCE
OR	ORDER
PA	PATENT
PE	OFF PERMIT
PL	PLAT
PO	POWER OF ATTORNEY
PR	PERSONAL REP DEED
PT	PUBLIC TRUSTEES DEED
QC	QUIT CLAIM
QD	QUIT CLAIM
QJ	QUIT CLAIM JOINT TEN
RS	RESOLUTION
RW	RIGHT OF WAY
SD	SHERIFFS DEED
SJ	SPECIAL WARRANTY JT
SW	SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED
TA	TRUST AGREEMENT
TD	TREASURERS DEED
TR	TRUSTEES DEED
UE	UTILITY EASEMENT
VA	VARIANCE
WC	WARRANTY DEED TC
WD	WARRANTY DEED
WJ	WARRANTY DEED JT
WL	WILL

How are parcel numbers assigned?

2077 -	16 -	2 -	00-32
Township - A territorial division of land established by federal survey, typically being six miles square and containing thirty six sections, each one mile square.	Section - A division or parcel of land on a government survey, typically one mile square (640 acres.)	Quarter Section - One quarter section, commonly called a quarter, containing 160 acres.	Random generated numbers

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PagosaData.com is a public service of Jim Smith Realty, Pagosa Springs, CO and features a comprehesive listing of
property owners, property tax information, and related data, for Pagosa Springs, Colorado and the surrounding Archuleta
County area. The property ownership and tax information is updated several times a year, and is based on property
ownership and tax information provided by various public and private agencies. We make every effort to assure that
the information on this web site is current and accurate. However, before making important property related decisions,
contact the Archuleta County Assessor's Office for complete up-to-date information.

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