Marsico Capital Management, LLC v. Denver Board of County Commissioners
2013 COA 90
Colo. Ct. App.2013Background
- MCM challenges BAA’s upholding of BOE’s denial of protests to SNOVs for 2008–2009 from Denver City Assessor audit.
- 2004–2005 tenant improvements expanded; improvements not initially taxed due to assessor system error.
- Audit of 2005–2009 found neglected valuation of tenant improvements;重新valuation added to rolls and SNOVs issued.
- City Assessor granted protests for 2005–2007 due to SOL; denied 2008–2009 protests.
- MCM argues improvements were omitted property, not omitted value, affecting retroactive taxation; BAA rejected this reading.
- ARL and statutory scheme permit retroactive assessment of omitted property under §§ 39-5-125, 39-10-101.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether tenant improvements are omitted property or omitted value | MCM—omitted value; retroactive revaluation barred | Board/Assessor—omitted property; retroactive assessment permitted | Omitted property; retroactive assessment allowed |
| Authority of Assessor vs Treasurer to correct omissions | MCM—only Treasurer may revalue omitted property | Both may correct omissions under §§ 39-5-125, 39-10-101 | Both authorized; not limited to one office |
| Effect of Northcutt on omission analysis | Northcutt controls; information sufficiency implies inclusion | Northcutt distinguished; omission possible even with information | Northcutt not controlling; omission can occur and be retroactively taxed |
| Harmless error in BAA’s factual findings | Errors require vacatur | Errors harmless given record support | Harmless error; affirmed on merits |
Key Cases Cited
- In Stitches, Inc. v. Denver County Bd. of Comm'rs, 62 P.3d 1080 (Colo.App.2002) (omitted property retroactive taxation allowed when entire class omitted)
- Jet Black, LLC v. Routt Cnty. Bd. of Cnty. Comm'rs, 165 P.3d 744 (Colo.App.2006) (ARL-based omission and retroactive taxation)
- Chew v. Bd. of Assessment Appeals, 673 P.2d 1028 (Colo.App.1983) (retroactive taxes on improvements after initial appraisal)
- Northcutt v. Burton, 127 Colo. 145, 254 P.2d 1013 (Colo.1953) (omission analysis not solely based on information completeness)