Denver Will Auction Tax Liens on November 4
The city will auction delinquent property tax liens covering $45.5 million in unpaid bills for Denver taxpayers.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Commercial
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Denver will hold an auction on November 4, 2026, to sell tax liens on properties with unpaid dues. This auction addresses a cumulative $45.5 million in delinquent property taxes, which represents an increase of 25% compared to the previous year.
Why it matters
The auction process ensures the city recovers revenue to fund public services like Denver Public Schools, which receives the largest share of tax funds. Property owners with outstanding bills face interest charges that can complicate future ownership costs.
Denver taxpayers currently owe $45.5 million in delinquent property taxes, a 25% increase over last year. Among these, 49 parcels have outstanding tax bills reaching six figures, including the Denver Marriott Tech Center and the Pop Denver apartment building.
The players
Denver Public Schools
The local school district that relies on property tax revenue as its primary source of funding.
Denver Marriott Tech Center
A major commercial property located at 4900 S. Syracuse St. with a $1.5 million tax delinquency.
Pop Denver
A local apartment building located at 655 N. Santa Fe Drive with a $965,000 tax delinquency.
The details
When property taxes remain unpaid, the city compiles these debts in September and proceeds to auction liens two months later. Investors purchase these liens, effectively paying the tax bill and gaining the right to collect a 13% annual interest rate from the property owner. This mechanism allows the city to maintain its collection schedule while transferring the collection of the debt to private parties who seek a return on the delinquent amount.
Timeline
April 30 is the deadline for single property tax payments in Denver.
June 15 is the deadline for two-part property tax payments in Denver.
August 31 was the date by which the city collected $191 million in property taxes.
September 1 is the date for setting the annual tax lien interest rate.
November 4, 2026, is when the city's tax lien auction concludes at noon.
The Home Front
The current auction follows a recorded 25% year-over-year increase in local delinquent tax values, marking a departure from historical collection stability. This trend highlights potential shifts in local real estate operating costs and payment compliance.
Review your property tax records to confirm that all payments were successfully processed by the April or June deadlines. If you have concerns regarding a tax bill, contact the local treasurer or a tax professional to verify your status before the November 4 auction.
The takeaway
Property tax liens can lead to significant additional costs due to the 13% annual interest rate charged to delinquent accounts. Always verify your property's tax payment status with the city treasurer to avoid inclusion in the annual lien auction process.
Further reading
Learn more about local commercial real estate impacts in the Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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