Jefferson County Public Records /Jefferson County Property Records

Jefferson County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Jefferson County in 2026

JeffersonCORecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Jefferson County, Colorado. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, mortgage documents, tax information, and lien filings. Available record categories include transfer documents, parcel data, exemption records, and encumbrance filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.

Property records in Jefferson County may be searched through several official channels, including the Jefferson County Assessor's Office, the Clerk & Recorder's Office, and the Jefferson County Treasurer. Each office maintains distinct record sets, and members of the public are encouraged to consult the appropriate agency based on the type of information sought.

Access Methods Available:

Online searches — The most convenient method; available through county agency portals at no cost for basic information
In-person visits — Required for certified copies, older records not yet digitized, or complex title research
By mail — Written requests submitted to the relevant office with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers may conduct comprehensive searches on behalf of clients

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Jefferson County Assessor's Office serves as the primary resource for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access the Assessor's online search portal free of charge, without registration.

Search options include:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel/schedule number
Subdivision name
GIS map location

Information available through the Assessor's portal:

Current owner name and mailing address
Legal description and parcel number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
Assessed and actual values (land and improvements)
Exemptions applied
Sales history
GIS map location and aerial imagery

How to search the Assessor's database:

Navigate to the Jefferson County Assessor's Office portal
Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned by the system
Select the relevant parcel to view the full property card
Review ownership data, valuation history, and sales records
Print or save the information as needed

Jefferson County Assessor's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2500
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8600
Jefferson County Assessor

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

2. County Clerk & Recorder Official Records Search

The Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office maintains the official records index for all documents affecting real property in the county. Basic searches are available at no cost; document image retrieval may involve a per-page fee.

Searchable by:

Grantor name (seller or transferring party)
Grantee name (buyer or receiving party)
Document type
Recording date range
Reception/instrument number

Documents available:

Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
Deeds of trust and mortgages
Releases and satisfactions of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and subdivision documents
Powers of attorney affecting property
Lis pendens filings
HOA declarations and covenants

How to search recorded documents:

Access the Clerk & Recorder's official records search through the Clerk & Recorder's Office
Select the search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, or date range)
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the results list
Select a document to view the image (fees may apply per page)
Note the reception number or book and page for future reference

Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2530
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8121
Clerk & Recorder | Jefferson County, CO

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

3. Tax Information — Jefferson County Treasurer

The Jefferson County Treasurer maintains tax billing, payment history, and delinquency records for all parcels within the county.

Search by:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel/schedule number
Tax account number

Information available:

Current tax bill and amount due
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied
Mill levy rates
Delinquency status and tax lien certificate information
Installment plan status

Jefferson County Treasurer's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2520
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8330
Jefferson County Treasurer

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

4. GIS and Mapping System

Jefferson County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to conduct visual property searches, view parcel boundaries, and access linked assessment data.

Features include:

Interactive parcel boundary maps
Aerial photography and satellite imagery
Zoning and land use layers
Flood zone designations
Environmental feature overlays
Direct links to Assessor property records from map interface

Members of the public may navigate to a specific location, click on a parcel, and retrieve property identification and assessment data directly from the map interface through the Jefferson County official website.

In-Person Search Services

Members of the public who require certified copies, access to older records, or staff assistance may visit the following offices in person:

Jefferson County Assessor's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2500
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8600
Jefferson County Assessor

Services available in person include public access computer terminals, staff-assisted property card retrieval, plat maps, and exemption application assistance.

Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2530
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8121
Clerk & Recorder | Jefferson County, CO

Services available in person include viewing official recorded documents, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing historical record books.

Jefferson County Treasurer's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2520
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8330
Jefferson County Treasurer

Services available in person include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests

Members of the public may submit written requests by mail to the relevant office. Requests should include the property address or parcel number, the type of document or information sought, and payment for applicable fees. Certified copies are available upon request with appropriate payment enclosed.

Assessor's Office Mailing Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2500, Golden, CO 80419
Clerk & Recorder Mailing Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2530, Golden, CO 80419
Treasurer's Office Mailing Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2520, Golden, CO 80419

Through Professionals

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches and produce abstracts of title identifying all recorded interests in a property. Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions and assist with complex ownership disputes. Licensed appraisers access property records as part of valuation assignments. Costs for professional services vary by provider and scope of work.

Search Tips

When searching by address, attempt variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
When searching by owner name, try last name first and consider spelling variations or business entity names
For historical records not available online, contact the Clerk & Recorder's Office directly to arrange retrieval from archive storage
Very recent transactions may not yet appear in online systems due to recording processing time
Verify results using the parcel number when common names or similar addresses produce multiple results

What Is Jefferson County Property Records

Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by county government agencies as part of the public record. These documents establish legal ownership, provide a chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support the assessment and taxation of real property. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-109, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the county clerk and recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.

Types of Property Records Maintained in Jefferson County:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Trust documents affecting property
Life estate deeds
Transfer records and chain of title documentation

Encumbrance Records:

Deeds of trust and mortgages
Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
Easements and access agreements
Declarations of restrictions and covenants
HOA documents and lis pendens filings

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and valuation notices
Tax bills and payment history
Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, and disability)
Mill levy rates and special assessment records

Legal Descriptions and Plat Documents:

Subdivision plats and re-plats
Survey plats and metes-and-bounds descriptions
Condominium declarations
Lot and block information

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violation records
Zoning and land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records in Jefferson County:

The Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office is responsible for recording, indexing, and maintaining all official instruments affecting title to real property. The Jefferson County Assessor's Office maintains property valuation records, ownership data, and exemption applications. The Jefferson County Treasurer maintains tax billing and payment records. The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Division maintains zoning, land use, and permit records.

As stated by the Colorado Secretary of State's Office, "Recording a document provides constructive notice to the world that the document exists and affects the property described therein." This principle underlies the entire public records system for real property in Colorado.

Are Property Records Public Information in Jefferson County?

Property records are public information in Jefferson County, Colorado. Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq., public records maintained by government agencies are open to inspection by any member of the public. No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement applies to accessing property records.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

The public nature of property records in Colorado rests on several legal foundations:

C.R.S. § 24-72-201 — Colorado Open Records Act, establishing the right of public access to government records
C.R.S. § 38-35-109 — Colorado recording statutes, requiring instruments affecting title to be recorded and available for public inspection
Common law tradition of public land records, predating statehood
Constitutional protections for property rights under Article II of the Colorado Constitution

Why Property Records Are Public:

The public nature of property records serves multiple essential functions:

Transparency: The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it
Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on access to recorded documents
Legal protection: Recording provides constructive notice, establishes priority of interests, and protects against fraudulent transfers
Tax accountability: Assessment and tax records are public to ensure transparency in the property tax system
Historical and genealogical research: Property records document land ownership across generations and are a primary source for historical research

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical ownership
Legal descriptions and parcel identification
Sale prices and transfer dates
Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics and building data
Plat maps and surveys
All recorded instruments affecting title

Privacy Considerations:

While property records are public, certain personal information is protected under Colorado law. Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state and federal privacy requirements. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Colorado's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is subject to limited disclosure policies; members of the public should contact the Assessor's Office directly regarding the availability of specific exemption application details.

Who May Access Property Records:

Any person may access property records in Jefferson County, including:

Prospective buyers and sellers
Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
Title companies and mortgage lenders
Attorneys and legal researchers
Property investors and developers
Journalists and academic researchers
Genealogists and historians
Out-of-state and foreign nationals

The Jefferson County Assessor's Office notes on its website that "property information is available to the public as a service of Jefferson County government," reflecting the county's commitment to open access.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Colorado law, subject to applicable anti-harassment, fair housing, and privacy statutes. Title companies, data aggregators, and real estate information services routinely compile and redistribute public property data. Subscription-based services such as CoreLogic and First American aggregate public records for professional use. The existence of public records does not, however, authorize their use for illegal purposes or in violation of applicable civil rights laws.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Jefferson County?

Members of the public may access basic property information through the Jefferson County Assessor's online portal and the Clerk & Recorder's records search at no charge. Fees apply for document copies, certified copies, and certain recording services.

Current Fee Schedule — Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder:

Service	Current Fee
Copy of recorded document (per page)	$1.25 per page
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.25 per page + $1.00 certification fee
Recording a document (first page)	$13.00
Recording a document (each additional page)	$5.00
Plat recording	$13.00 per page
Search fee (staff-assisted)	No charge for basic index search

Fees are established pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-10-407, which governs the fees that county clerks and recorders may charge for recording, copying, and certifying documents.

Current Fee Schedule — Jefferson County Assessor:

Online property record access: Free
Printed property record copies (in-person): Fees vary; contact the office for current rates
GIS data and map products: Fees vary by product; contact the office for current rates

Current Fee Schedule — Jefferson County Treasurer:

Online tax record access: Free
Copies of tax bills (in-person or by mail): Contact the Treasurer's Office for current copy fees

Accepted Payment Methods:

In-person: Cash, check, money order, and credit/debit card (fees may apply for card payments)
By mail: Check or money order payable to Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder
Online: Credit/debit card where online payment is available

Fee Waivers:

Colorado law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for reduced fees in specific circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the relevant office.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online viewing of property assessment data through the Assessor's portal
Online index searches through the Clerk & Recorder's system
Online tax information through the Treasurer's portal
GIS map viewing through the county's online mapping system
In-person inspection of records at county offices (no charge to view; fees apply for copies)

What's Included in a Jefferson County Property Record

A complete Jefferson County property record encompasses information maintained by multiple county agencies. The following describes the full scope of data available across the Assessor, Clerk & Recorder, and Treasurer systems.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records include the legal owner's name or names, ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), the acquisition date, the deed reception number, and the owner's mailing address for tax billing purposes. Previous ownership records document the chain of title, including prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by a unique schedule/parcel number, a site address, a legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description), and a tax account number. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garages, pools, fireplaces, and accessory structures. Condition and quality ratings are assigned by the Assessor as part of the valuation process.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include the land value, improvement value, total assessed value, and actual (market) value for the current assessment year. Historical values for prior assessment years are available through the Assessor's portal, allowing review of value trends over time.

Tax Information:

Tax records include the current year's total tax amount, the taxable value after exemptions, the mill levy breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, and special districts), payment status, due dates, and discount information for early payment. Tax payment history for prior years is also available.

Exemptions Applied:

Exemption records reflect any homestead, senior, disability, veteran, or other exemptions applied to the parcel, along with the exemption amounts and application dates.

Sales History:

Sales history includes transfer dates, recorded sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, deed reception numbers, and qualified/unqualified sale designations used by the Assessor for valuation purposes.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded encumbrances include current and historical mortgages and deeds of trust (with original amounts, lender names, and recording dates), tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, code enforcement liens, easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district memberships (school, fire, water, and community development districts), deed restrictions, and HOA information are included in the full property record.

Environmental and Flood Information:

FEMA flood zone designation, wetlands designations, and conservation area overlays are accessible through the county's GIS mapping system linked to individual parcel records.

Maps and Visual Information:

Property records include exterior photographs (where available), aerial imagery, GIS parcel boundary maps, plat maps, and property sketches or floor plan diagrams prepared by the Assessor.

Building Permit Information:

Where integrated with the Assessor's system, building permit records include permit issuance dates, permit descriptions, contractor information, permit valuations, and certificate of occupancy records.

What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records:

Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts are public)
Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to state and federal law)
Detailed personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Interior photographs unless provided during an Assessor inspection
Confidential details from exemption applications

How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Jefferson County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records as a foundational element of property law.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Under Colorado law, the Clerk & Recorder is required to maintain a permanent index of all recorded instruments. The Colorado State Archives establishes records retention schedules for county government agencies, and recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records with no authorized destruction date. Assessment rolls and official property records maintained by the Assessor are similarly subject to permanent retention requirements.

Records Kept Permanently:

All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all other conveyance types)
All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, and releases
All recorded liens and lien releases
All recorded plats, subdivision documents, and survey plats
Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
Powers of attorney affecting real property
Court documents affecting title
Tax deed records

Format and Storage of Historical Records:

Very old records — dating to Jefferson County's formation in 1861 — exist in handwritten ledger books. Records from the early-to-mid twentieth century are available on microfilm. More recent records have been scanned and are maintained in electronic document management systems with off-site backup and disaster recovery protocols. The Clerk & Recorder's Office maintains climate-controlled storage for original paper records and microfilm archives.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time Period	Online Availability
Recent (last 20+ years)	Fully available online through Clerk & Recorder portal
Moderate age (20–50 years)	Partially available; microfilm and digital terminals at courthouse
Historical (50+ years)	Available at courthouse; staff retrieval may be required
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice recommended

Property Appraiser Assessment Records:

The Jefferson County Assessor maintains current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls and property cards are retained indefinitely. Online access through the Assessor's portal covers recent assessment years; historical assessment data for earlier periods is available upon request at the Assessor's Office.

Tax Collector Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard records retention schedules. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained until resolved. Members of the public seeking tax history beyond what is available online should contact the Treasurer's Office directly.

Chain of Title:

The permanent retention of all recorded instruments ensures that a complete chain of title — tracing ownership from the original land grant to the present — is available for every parcel in Jefferson County. Title searches conducted by title companies and attorneys review the chain of title for a period determined by Colorado's marketable title standards, with full abstracts potentially extending back to original territorial grants.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking records not available through online portals should contact the Clerk & Recorder's Office to arrange retrieval. Very old records may require advance notice to allow staff to retrieve materials from archive storage. Standard copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.

Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office — Records and Archives
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2530
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8121
Clerk & Recorder | Jefferson County, CO

Jefferson County Assessor's Office — Historical Assessment Records
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2500
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8600
Jefferson County Assessor

How To Find Liens on Property in Jefferson County?

Liens on property in Jefferson County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Clerk & Recorder's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through the official records index, which is accessible online and in person.

Types of Liens Recorded in Jefferson County:

Deeds of trust and mortgages — Voluntary liens securing real estate loans
Federal tax liens — Filed by the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid federal taxes
State tax liens — Filed by the Colorado Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
County and municipal tax liens — Arising from delinquent property taxes
Judgment liens — Arising from court judgments against a property owner, recorded with the Clerk & Recorder
Mechanic's liens — Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work pursuant to C.R.S. § 38-22-101
HOA liens — Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
Code enforcement liens — Filed by local governments for unresolved code violations
Child support liens — Recorded against real property owned by obligors with unpaid child support obligations

Step-by-Step Search Process:

Access the Clerk & Recorder's official records search through the Clerk & Recorder's Office
Select the grantor/grantee name search option
Enter the property owner's name as the grantor (for voluntary liens such as mortgages) or as the debtor (for involuntary liens)
Filter results by document type — select "lien," "deed of trust," "judgment," or the specific lien type sought
Review all results associated with the owner's name
Click on individual documents to view the recorded instrument image
Note the reception number, recording date, amount, and lienholder for each lien identified
Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether any identified liens have been discharged

Searching for Delinquent Tax Liens:

Delinquent property tax information is maintained by the Jefferson County Treasurer. Members of the public may search for tax delinquency status and tax lien certificate information through the Treasurer's online portal or by contacting the Treasurer's Office directly.

Jefferson County Treasurer's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2520
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8330
Jefferson County Treasurer

Searching for Federal Tax Liens:

Federal tax liens are recorded with the Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder and are searchable through the official records index under the debtor's name. The Internal Revenue Service also maintains a federal tax lien search tool through the IRS website for verification purposes.

Searching for Judgment Liens:

Judgment liens in Colorado attach to real property when a certified copy of the judgment is recorded with the Clerk & Recorder in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may search for judgment liens through the Clerk & Recorder's official records index by searching the judgment debtor's name.

Searching for Mechanic's Liens:

Mechanic's liens are recorded with the Clerk & Recorder and are searchable by the property owner's name or the property address (where the index permits address-based searches). Mechanic's liens in Colorado are governed by C.R.S. § 38-22-101 and must be recorded within specific statutory deadlines to be enforceable.

In-Person Lien Searches:

Members of the public who require comprehensive lien searches, assistance with complex name variations, or access to older records not available online may conduct in-person searches at the Clerk & Recorder's Office. Staff can assist with index searches and document retrieval.

Jefferson County Clerk & Recorder's Office
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2530
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8121
Clerk & Recorder | Jefferson County, CO

Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Professional Lien Searches:

Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process for real estate transactions. A title search performed by a licensed title company will identify all recorded liens, encumbrances, and other interests affecting a property. Real estate attorneys may also conduct or supervise lien searches in connection with litigation, estate administration, or complex transactions.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Jefferson County?

The property owner rule in Jefferson County, Colorado, refers to the legal principle that a property owner is competent to testify to the value of their own real property in legal proceedings, without being required to qualify as an expert witness. This rule is recognized under Colorado law and has practical implications for property tax appeals, condemnation proceedings, and other matters where property valuation is at issue.

Legal Foundation:

Colorado courts have long recognized that a property owner possesses sufficient knowledge of their own property to offer a lay opinion as to its value. This principle is grounded in the common law rule that ownership itself provides a sufficient basis for valuation testimony. In Colorado, this rule applies in proceedings before the Board of Assessment Appeals, district courts, and other tribunals where property value is contested.

Application in Property Tax Appeals:

Property owners in Jefferson County who dispute the Assessor's valuation of their property may appeal through the following process:

Assessor's Office Appeal (Abatement/Protest): Property owners may file a protest with the Jefferson County Assessor's Office during the statutory protest period following the issuance of a Notice of Valuation. Under Colorado law, the protest period is established by statute and runs for a defined period after the notice is mailed.
Board of Equalization: If the Assessor's determination is unsatisfactory, the property owner may appeal to the Jefferson County Board of Equalization (BOE). The property owner may present evidence of value, including their own testimony as to the property's market value under the property owner rule.
Board of Assessment Appeals or District Court: Further appeals may be taken to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals or to the Jefferson County District Court.

Jefferson County Board of Equalization
100 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80419
Phone: (303) 271-8500
Jefferson County, CO | Official Website

Property Ownership Requirements in Jefferson County:

Colorado does not impose residency requirements for property ownership. Any individual, trust, corporation, LLC, partnership, or other legal entity may own real property in Jefferson County. Foreign nationals and out-of-state entities may hold title to real property in Colorado subject to applicable federal and state regulations.

Ownership Types Recognized Under Colorado Law:

Fee simple absolute — The most complete form of ownership, with no conditions or limitations
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — Two or more owners hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
Tenancy in common — Two or more owners hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
Tenancy by the entirety — Not recognized in Colorado; married couples hold property as joint tenants or tenants in common
Trust ownership — Property held by a trustee for the benefit of beneficiaries
Entity ownership — Property held by a corporation, LLC, partnership, or other legal entity

Transfer of Ownership:

Ownership of real property in Jefferson County is transferred by recorded deed. Under C.R.S. § 38-35-109, a deed must be recorded with the Clerk & Recorder to provide constructive notice of the transfer to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not provide constructive notice to third parties.

Property Owner Responsibilities:

Property owners in Jefferson County are responsible for:

Ensuring accurate ownership information is reflected in Assessor records following a transfer
Filing applicable exemption applications (homestead, senior, veteran, or disability) with the Assessor's Office
Paying property taxes by the statutory due dates established by the Treasurer
Complying with