Denver Will Auction Property Tax Liens November 4
The city will hold a tax lien auction to address $45.5 million in total unpaid property taxes.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Commercial
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Denver is scheduled to conclude its property tax lien auction on November 4, 2026. This auction addresses a cumulative delinquency of $45.5 million in property taxes owed across the city.
Why it matters
The auction process allows investors to purchase liens on delinquent properties at a 13% annual interest rate. This mechanism serves as a way for the city to recover portions of the $654 million in total property tax bills issued to residents and commercial entities.
Cumulative delinquent property taxes reached $45.5 million, a 25% increase compared to last year. The city is auctioning liens on 49 parcels that each carry six-figure tax bills.
The players
Denver Public Schools
A local education entity that receives the largest share of municipal property tax revenue.
Denver Marriott Tech Center
A local commercial property that currently owes $1.5 million in delinquent taxes.
Pop Denver
An apartment building property that currently owes $965,000 in property taxes.
The details
The city identifies unpaid tax bills in September and moves to auction liens two months later to generate revenue for services like Denver Public Schools. Investors who buy these liens are entitled to collect 13% annual interest on the outstanding tax amount. Notable properties, including the Denver Marriott Tech Center and the Pop Denver building, currently carry large outstanding tax balances.
Timeline
April 30 is the deadline for single property tax payments.
June 15 is the deadline for two-part property tax payments.
August 31 is the date by which the city general fund collected $191 million.
September 1 is the date for setting the annual tax lien interest rate.
November 4, 2026 is when the tax lien auction concludes at noon.
Money Landscape
This auction follows the established Denver property tax collection cycle, maintaining the legal timeline for local revenue recovery. It occurs as the city continues to process revenue following the August 31 collection milestone.
Property owners should ensure their tax payments are current to avoid having a lien placed against their parcel. Those concerned about past-due status should consult with a tax professional to understand the implications of the 13% interest rate applied to liens.
The takeaway
Delinquent taxes carry significant interest costs that can affect long-term property ownership. Property owners should verify their payment status through city records to ensure all tax obligations are met before additional interest accrues.
Further reading
Learn more about local real estate economics in our Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
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