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Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help Forms Appeals

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPEALING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS WITH THE DISTRICT COURT

These standard instructions are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice about your case. If you choose to represent yourself, you are bound by the same rules and procedures as an attorney.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • ●

    Before a case can be filed in the District Court, you must have filed a “protest” with the County Assessor, filed an appeal with the County Board of Equalization, and received a decision from the County Board of Equalization.

  • ●

    An appeal of the decision of the County Board of Equalization must be made no later than 30 days after the date the decision was mailed to you, (§39-8-107, C.R.S). You can file an appeal with the Board of Assessment Appeals, or file a Petition with the District Court, or you can submit your case to arbitration. Information regarding the above 3-options is as follows:

  1. Board of Assessment Appeals:

    Testimony, exhibits, or any other evidence may be introduced by you to set forth your position at the hearing. This may be the quickest and least expensive method, (pro se taxpayers representing themselves, no filing fee is required for the first two petitions filed within the fiscal year); however you must use their forms. To review their instructions and required forms, contact the Board of Assessment Appeals at: http://dola.colorado.gov/baa/

    Department of Local Affairs - Board of Assessment Appeals, State Centennial Building
    1313 Sherman Street, Room 315
    Denver, Colorado 80203
    (303) 866-5880

  2. Submit your case to arbitration:

    To pursue arbitration, you must notify the County Board of Equalization of your intent. The arbitrator's decision is final and your right to appeal your current valuation ends. To obtain specific details on this option, you may want to search for a website for the county where the property is located.

  3. File a Petition with the District Court:

    New testimony, exhibits or any other evidence may be introduced at a hearing. If you choose this option, please read the information below prior to filing a Petition. A filing fee of $224.00 is required.

  • ●

    For additional information, please review §39-8-106 and §39-8-108 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.

  • ●

    If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to access the courts, please contact your local ADA Coordinator. Contact information can be obtained from the following website: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Administration/HR/ADA/Coordinator_List.cfm

COMMON TERMS

Petition: Document officially commences the Petition to Appeal process.

Petitioner: The person or persons filing the Petition with the Court.

Respondent: The County Assessor and Board of Equalization who are to be served the Petition to Appeal.

Service of Process: The official means by which a party is notified that a document has been filed against him/her and provided a copy of the document and a description of the person's rights and obligations as a party to the case.

Hearing Date: The date that the Petitioner and Respondent must appear in Court.

Return Date: The date that the Respondent must file his/her answer by, (listed on the Summons).

May: In legal terms, "may" is defined as "optional” or “can”.

Shall: In legal terms, “shall” is defined as "required".

If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney.

JDF 605 R7/13 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPEALING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT WITH THE DISTRICT COURT Page 1 of 3
2012 Colorado Judicial Department for use in the Courts of Colorado

FEES

A filing fee of $224.00 is required. If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you must complete the Motion to File without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205) and submit to the Court. Once you submit the completed JDF 205 form and a blank Order (JDF 206), the Court will decide whether you need to pay the filing fee.

FORMS

To access a form online go to www.courts.state.co.us and then click "Forms". The packet/forms are available in PDF or WORD by selecting "District Civil - Property Tax Appeal. You may complete a form online and print it or you may print it and type or print legibly in black ink. Read these instructions carefully to determine what forms you may need.

  • JDF 600 District Civil Summons
  • JDF 601 District Court Civil (CV) Case Cover Sheet for Initial Pleading of Complaint, Counterclaim, Claim, or Third Party Complaint
  • JDF 603 Instructions to Complete District Court Civil (CV) Case Cover Sheet
  • JDF 606 Petition to Appeal Property Tax Assessment

STEPS TO FILING THE PETITION

Step 1: Complete appropriate forms.

The caption needs to be completed on all forms filed. Keep a copy of each form for your own records and make a copy to provide to the other party.

  • Petition to Appeal Property Tax Assessment (JDF 606).

  • Fill in all the blanks on the Petition. Identify the owners of the property as the Petitioner(s) and the County Assessor and Board of Equalization as the Respondent(s) and any other parties applicable to your case.

  • Attach documents received from the County Assessor. This can include your original assessment and your decision from the County Board of Equalization.

  • District Civil Summons (JDF 600).

  • Complete all sections in the caption. The Court will date and sign the form when it is filed.

  • District Court Civil (CV) Case Cover Sheet for Initial Pleading of Complaint, Counterclaim, Claim, or Third Party Complaint (JDF 601).

  • Review the Instructions - JDF 603 prior to completing this form.

  • As of July 1, 2004, the JDF 601 case cover sheet is required by C.R.C.P. 16.1 Simplified Procedure for all District Civil (CV) actions filed on or after that date. This cover sheet must be filed with the complaint and any counterclaim, cross-claim, or third party complaint.

Step 2: You are ready to file your case with the Court.

Provide the Court with the Petition, Summons and Case Cover Sheet.

  • Pay the filing fee of $224.00.

  • The Court will set the case for trial. Check with the local court regarding their procedures for setting trials.

JDF 605 R7/13 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPEALING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT WITH THE DISTRICT COURT Page 2 of 3
2012 Colorado Judicial Department for use in the Courts of Colorado

Step 3: Serve all documents on the Respondent(s).

You are ready to have the Respondent(s) served. You are responsible for paying the service fees, if any. Personal service must be made by someone not related to the case and who is over the age of 18 and must be made on each Respondent at least 14 days before the hearing date. Complete the following process based on the type of service selected:

Personal Service:

  • Select the Sheriff's Department, a private process server, or someone you know over the age of 18 who is not involved in the case, and who knows the rules of service to serve the other party.

  • Provide the process server with the Petition, Summons, and Case Cover Sheet.

  • The process server will need to return a completed return of service to the Court for filing, or return it to you to bring and file with the Court.

Step 4: Be prepared for your hearing.

This is an opportunity for you to state your claims regarding your property tax assessment. If you have exhibits, please label them and make copies for the Court and the Respondent(s). District Civil matters can be complicated, so it is suggested that you consult an attorney for assistance with this matter.

JDF 605 R7/13 INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPEALING PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT WITH THE DISTRICT COURT Page 3 of 3
2012 Colorado Judicial Department for use in the Courts of Colorado

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What the Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help Forms Appeals Covers

The Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help Forms Appeals collection provides standardized court forms and instructional materials to help non‑represented litigants prepare appellate filings and related documents. Materials typically include notices of appeal, docketing statements, case information forms, and guidance on required exhibits and certifications. The package explains procedural steps specific to Colorado appellate courts, filing mechanics, and commonly required supporting documents so users can draft compliant pleadings, meet court formatting rules, and understand basic timelines even without an attorney.

Why these self-help appeal forms matter

Using Colorado Judicial Branch self-help appeal forms reduces drafting errors, clarifies filing requirements, and helps ensure filings contain required procedural elements. The forms save time and lower the risk of rejection for basic clerical or jurisdictional defects.

Why these self-help appeal forms matter

Who commonly relies on Colorado appeal self-help forms

The forms are aimed at litigants without counsel, small businesses, and service organizations assisting pro se filers.

  • Self-represented litigants preparing an appeal without an attorney.
  • Small-business owners filing appeals on contract, licensing, or administrative matters.
  • Legal aid clinics and court navigators assisting multiple filers.

For complex appeals or novel legal questions, the forms are a starting point; consider attorney review for substantive legal strategy or argument development.

Representative user profiles

Pro Se Litigant

A non‑attorney who needs clear, stepwise forms to lodge a notice of appeal and provide required appellate contact information. They benefit from sample language, exhibit checklists, and timeline guidance to avoid dismissal for procedural defects.

Legal Aid Staff

Court navigators, paralegals, or volunteer attorneys who assist multiple clients by using standardized forms to accelerate intake, verify statutory deadlines, and prepare supporting affidavits or certifications consistent with Colorado appellate rules.

Essential data elements required on appeal forms

Case Caption: Party names and court identification
Docket Number: Original trial court number
Appellant Contact: Mailing address and phone
Statement of Issues: Concise issue list
Designation of Record: Specified exhibits and transcripts
Signature Block: Typed name, date

Common procedural pitfalls to avoid

  • Missing or incorrect docket numbers leading to misfiled appeals or processing delays at the clerk’s office.
  • Failing to include a proper designation of the record, which can leave critical exhibits out of the appellate record.
  • Using informal or argumentative language in notices instead of concise statements of jurisdictional or procedural grounds.
  • Overlooking service requirements for opposing parties and the court, resulting in defective service and possible dismissal.

Step-by-step: preparing a standard Colorado appeal filing

Follow these core steps to prepare and lodge an appeal using Colorado Judicial Branch self-help forms.

  • 01
    Gather case info: Collect trial court name, docket number, and party names.
  • 02
    Select forms: Choose the correct notice of appeal and docketing statement.
  • 03
    Prepare record: Identify exhibits, transcripts, and any necessary certifications.
  • 04
    File and serve: File with the clerk and serve all parties per court rules.

How filing and routing typically proceed

A concise view of appellate routing from submission to docketing in Colorado.

  • Clerk review: Clerk checks jurisdiction, fees, and completeness.
  • Docket entry: Case is assigned an appellate docket number.
  • Record transmission: Trial record is transmitted or prepared per designation.
  • Scheduling: Briefing deadlines and oral argument date are set.

Core components of a professional appeal submission

Ensure each filing is complete, clearly formatted, and follows Colorado appellate requirements to improve acceptance and docketing speed.

Complete Notice

A clear notice of appeal states the order being appealed, identifies the parties, and specifies the trial court and docket number to establish appellate jurisdiction and trigger appellate deadlines.

Docketing Statement

Provides a concise case summary, issues presented, and a designation of the parts of the record on which the appeal will rely, enabling the court to assess scope and scheduling needs.

Designation of Record

Lists transcripts, pleadings, exhibits, and other materials required on appeal; accurate designation prevents omission of evidence crucial to appellate review.

Certificate of Service

Documents how and when opposing parties and the court received the filing, with date and method of service to confirm compliance with procedural rules.

Fee or Fee Waiver

Either the required filing fee or a completed fee-waiver application must be attached; failure to address fees can result in rejection or administrative delay.

Signature and Contact

Appellant or counsel must sign and provide a current mailing address, telephone number, and email for clerk communications and service of future notices.

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete appeal filings

Dismissal Risk: Case dismissal
Fee Forfeiture: Lost fee refunds
Delay: Lengthy procedural delays
Sanctions: Potential court sanctions
Record Omission: Missing evidence on appeal
Appeal Waiver: Waived issues or arguments

Practical tips for accurate and efficient appeal filings

Small steps during preparation reduce clerical rejection and improve clarity for the appellate court and opposing parties.

Double-check docket information
Verify the trial court name and docket number exactly as shown in trial documents; mismatches often cause processing delays and require corrective filings.
Attach a clear designation of record
Specify exhibit numbers and transcript portions precisely so the clerk compiles the exact record needed for appellate review without unnecessary materials.
Document service carefully
Record dates and methods of service for all parties and attach certificates of service to demonstrate compliance with appellate rules and avoid service disputes.
Use standardized formatting
Follow Colorado appellate formatting rules for margins, font, and pagination to avoid clerical rejections and reduce friction during docketing.

eSignature pricing comparison relevant to filing and signing court forms

Common eSignature vendors and core pricing or capability differences, with signNow shown first for reference; check each vendor for plan details and enterprise pricing.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Trial available Trial available Trial available Trial available
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Options for digital signing and submitting forms

Choose a submission method that satisfies court rules for filing, service, and authentication.

  • Physical Filing: Paper filing and in-person service
  • Electronic Filing: Court eFile systems per local rules
  • eSignature Platforms: Use compliant eSign tools for signatures

Confirm the chosen method meets Colorado appellate procedural rules for accepted submission formats and signer authentication.

Frequently asked questions about Colorado appeal self-help forms

Answers to common procedural and technical questions users encounter when preparing and submitting appeals using Colorado Judicial Branch forms.


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