Denver Will Auction Property Tax Liens November 4

The city will hold a property tax lien auction to recover $45.5 million in delinquent debts.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Commercial

Denver Will Auction Property Tax Liens November 4

Live Poll

Does the rise in local commercial property tax delinquencies concern you regarding your local economy's health?

Denver is set to auction property tax liens on November 4, 2026, as the city faces $45.5 million in unpaid property taxes. This total represents a 25% increase in delinquency compared to the previous year.

Why it matters

Property tax revenue is essential for funding municipal services, with Denver Public Schools being the largest recipient of these tax dollars. When property owners fail to pay, the city auctions liens to recoup the funds while offering investors a 13% annual interest rate.

The city has identified 49 parcels with six-figure tax bills, including the Denver Marriott Tech Center at 4900 S. Syracuse St. and the Pop Denver building at 655 N. Santa Fe Drive. Total delinquency currently accounts for 7% of the city’s $654 million in property tax bills.

The players

Denver Public Schools

This educational institution receives the largest share of property tax revenue within the city.

Denver Marriott Tech Center

This commercial property located at 4900 S. Syracuse St. has a tax delinquency of $1.5 million.

Pop Denver

This apartment building located at 655 N. Santa Fe Drive owes $965,000 in property taxes.

The details

Denver compiles unpaid tax totals in September each year and conducts an auction two months later to address the shortfalls. Investors participate in the auction to purchase these liens, effectively taking over the right to collect the delinquent amount plus interest from the property owner.

April 30 is the deadline for single property tax payments in Denver.
June 15 is the deadline for two-part property tax payments.
August 31 marks 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 the conclusion of the city's tax lien auction at noon.

Culture Shift

This auction follows the city of Denver's annual tax lien auction process, which is used to recover unpaid revenues from commercial and residential property owners. The sharp 25% increase in delinquency reflects broader shifts in commercial real estate stability within the urban core.

Residents should be aware that the auction process helps maintain funding for local services like public schools by reclaiming unpaid tax dollars. Property owners with outstanding balances are urged to resolve their debts before the November 4 deadline to avoid the sale of a lien on their property.

The takeaway

Property tax compliance remains a critical factor in the funding of municipal infrastructure and school districts across Denver. Property owners should verify their tax status annually to prevent their liabilities from being auctioned to third-party investors at significant interest rates.