Business Personal Property

In addition to real property valuations, the Assessor is required by Colorado State Statutes to value all business personal property for taxation purposes. Business personal property includes machinery, equipment, and leasehold improvements specific to a business operation. 

The owner of taxable personal property as of January 1 must file a declaration schedule if the total actual value of all the personal property is greater than $52,000 per owner, per county. All business personal property is taxable in Colorado unless specifically exempted by the Colorado Constitution.  In 2024, the deadline to file a Personal Property Declaration is April 15.

To access your current asset listing, select File Declaration > View Asset Listing.

General information about a Business Personal Property account is available through the Property Records Search by entering a schedule number, business corporate name, or physical location. Business Personal Property Declarations and asset listings are confidential documents.

File Declaration
Assessor Property Records Search

ADDITIONAL FILING METHODS   

There are several options for filing a declaration schedule. In 2024, the deadline to file a declaration is April 15.

  • File by email - Email your completed declaration schedule to personalproperty@larimer.org
  • File a paper declaration by mail - Mail your completed declaration to the Larimer County Assessor, PO Box 860, Fort Collins, CO 80522.  The declaration schedule must be postmarked by April 15 to be considered timely filed.
  • File by fax - Fax your completed declaration to 970-498-7070.

Are you an Existing Business?

A Business Personal Property Declaration Schedule is mailed to business owners and all owners of leased equipment in the beginning of January each year. If your business did not receive a declaration schedule, please print a blank form (see below). Failure to receive a declaration schedule does not relieve the business owner of the requirement to file.

Are you a New Business or have Never Filed in Larimer County?

A declaration schedule must be filed by April 15 if the total actual value of all business assets owned in Larimer County exceeds $52,000. Provide a complete detailed listing of all personal property to include a property description, year acquired, and the original installed cost to you. Contact our office at 970-498-7050 to request assistance or if you have questions. Use one of the additional filing methods listed  above to file your declaration if you do not have a current account with Larimer County. 

Are you a Leasing Company?

Accurate reporting of leased equipment is crucial for the valuation process. Document if an asset is no longer owned, has been sold to the Lessee, or has been moved out of Larimer County as of January 1 and include the following when filing your declaration of leased assets.

  • The name and address of the Lessee
  • Item description
  • Year acquired
  • Original installed cost ($/each)
  • Month / Year place in service

Use one of the additional filing methods listed above to file your declaration. 

Declaration Schedules

General Information

For additional forms and information regarding Personal Property Assessment, please visit the Colorado Division of Property Taxation website.

Additional Information

Contact Information

We are here to help! Contact us at personalproperty@larimer.org or 970-498-7050 if you have questions or require assistance.

FAQs

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  1. Who files a Personal Property Declaration Schedule?

    The owner (legal titleholder) of taxable personal property, their agent, and those in possession and/or control of the taxable personal property as of January 1st must file a declaration schedule if the total actual value (market value) of all the personal property is greater than $52,000 per owner, per county. All personal property, such as a business/organization's machinery, equipment, security devices, and household furnishings, not otherwise exempt by law, must be listed on the schedule.

    All Personal Property Declaration Schedules and attached forms are considered private confidential documents by law.

  2. How and where do I file a Declaration Schedule online?

    Go to www.LarimerAssessor.org. Select Business Personal Property Records > File Declaration. Enter your Account/Schedule number > File Declaration, enter your FEIN > Sign In. Verify your business information and make updates on the Personal Property Change form. Make changes to your asset list - deletions, additions, and leased asset information (if applicable). Attach supporting documentation and comments that will help with your valuation. Sign your Declaration and select Submit to Assessor. Please note: Your FEIN must be on file by January 1.

  3. How do I view my asset listing?

    Go to www.LarimerAssessor.org. Select Business Personal Property Records > File Declaration > View Asset Listing. Enter your Schedule Number and FEIN, select List Personal Property.  Export your asset list to Excel or print a hard copy.

  4. How can I add my FEIN to my account?

    To add your FEIN to your account, provide your FEIN on company letterhead with the owner's signature to personalproperty@larimer.org or by fax to 970-498-7070. Personal property records are confidential, therefore we cannot accept your FEIN over the phone.

  5. Can I file for an extension?

    You may extend the deadline if, prior to April 15, the Assessor received your written request and payment of $20 for a 10-day extension or $40 for a 20-day extension. The extension applies to all personal property schedules (single or multiple) which a person is required to file in the county. Mail your written request to Larimer County Assessor, PO Box 860, Fort Collins, CO 80522, or walk in to 200 W Oak, Fort Collins, CO.

  6. What happens if I fail to file?

    The late filing fee is $50 or 15% of the taxes due, whichever is less. If the owner of taxable personal property fails to file a schedule, the assessor shall determine a valuation based on the BEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE (BIA) and shall add a penalty of up to 25% of assessed value for any omitted property discovered and valued later.

    NOTE: Failure to properly file a declaration schedule may prevent you from receiving an abatement per Colorado case law. Property Tax Adm'r v. Production Geophysical, 860 P.2d 514 (Colo. 1993)

  7. What happens after I submit this form?

    The Assessor may request more information or conduct a physical inventory of your personal property. The Assessor's Office will calculate a value for your assets. On June 15 a Notice of Valuation containing your new proposed value and instructions on how you can submit a protest if you disagree with the value, will be mailed to the address listed on the schedule.

  8. Is Business Personal Property prorated?

    Please note: Proration of Business Personal Property is generally not allowed. As of January 1, 1996, the only proration of personal property value allowed is for Works of Art loaned to and used for charitable purposes by an exempt organization. If other taxable personal property was located in Colorado on the assessment date, it is taxable for the entire assessment year, providing that, if it was newly acquired, it was put into use as of the assessment date (January 1). If it was not located in the state on the assessment date, or if it was newly acquired, but was not put into use as of the assessment date, it cannot be taxed until the next assessment year. Except for works of art, personal property that is exempt on the assessment date retains its exempt status for the entire assessment year.

  9. I have non-profit status for Federal IRS purposes. Am I exempt?

    Organizations which have non-profit status for Federal IRS purposes are not automatically exempt from local personal property assessments. To obtain this exemption status, organizations which are charitable, educational, or religious in nature must apply to the State Division of Property Taxation at 303-866-2371 or contact Lisa Ford, Assessment Support Manager, at 970-498-7068.

  10. How is the Actual Value calculated?

    Business personal property is valued in accordance with state guidelines and proper appraisal practice. Factors and tables are provided by the State of Colorado Division of Property Taxation to assist Colorado Counties with valuation.

  11. How is the Assessed Value calculated?

    For tax year 2023, the personal property assessment rate is 27.9%. Therefore, 27.9% of the Actual Value is the Assessed Value for your personal property.

    For tax years 2024 and 2025, the assessment rate will go back to 29%.