Understanding Property Tax in Colorado https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KSf1WrJ_vP86KZXpYkoFh2I7XKWxSV3g/view

Colorado Department of Local Affairs- Division of Property Taxation                  https://cdola.colorado.gov/property-taxation

FAQs

1. When are tax statements mailed?

   Property tax statements are mailed by the end of each January to the owner of record, as listed on the tax roll as of January 1. The tax roll is prepared and maintained by the County Assessor.

   If you have not received a tax statement by the first week of February, please contact the Treasurer's Office at (970) 870-5555 or email us and a duplicate statement will be mailed. Failure to receive a property tax statement does not exempt the taxpayer from timely payment of the taxes due.

2. If I move or have a name change, whom should I notify?

   Changes of address from can be found here. 

   Name changes and other changes to property title require that proper legal documentation, such as deed, be prepared and recorded at the County Clerk and Recorder's Office. It is recommended that you seek the legal advice of an attorney or local title company in order to properly execute this type of change.

3. Is it possible to pay property taxes with my online banking service?

   Yes, current taxes may be paid with your online banking service. Make sure to include your tax schedule number with the payment. Please allow two weeks for processing and mailing of the payment to our office, and take this delay into account when making tax payments near our deadlines. Payments not received in a  timely manner will be returned and additional interest will be due.

4. Where do I make a payment?

   Tax Payments can be made, Online, Dropped Off in Drop Box, In person or By Mail .                                       For more information regarding property tax payments. 

   
   

5. I just bought this property, so why am I being billed for last year's taxes?

   The settlement of tax liability rests with the buyer and seller or how it was handled at the closing by the title company. If you have questions, please contact your realtor or the closing title company.

6. When I buy property, how do I know the tax status?

   The Treasurer's Office issues a Certificate of Taxes Due to the title company. This provides both the buyer and seller all current taxing information.

7. After buying a new property, will I receive the next tax statement?

   The County Assessor  requires time to process your recorded deed. Please contact the Treasurer's Office if you have not received a property tax statement by the first week of February.

8. I paid off my mortgage this year.  How will I get my next tax statement?

   If your mortgage company has paid your property taxes in the past, you will receive a tax notice in January advising you of the taxes due on your property.  Your tax statement is available online, or you can contact our office by email or at (970)870-5555..

9. What if I am unable to pay my real property taxes?

   Ad valorem taxes are based on value only and not on the property owner's ability to pay. Any unpaid real property taxes become delinquent June 16. If the taxes remain unpaid, real property tax liens are sold in the last quarter of the year they become delinquent at the Tax Lien Sale. You have three (3) years to redeem the tax lien, after which point the lien holder has the option to apply for a Treasurer's Deed.

   For more information on personal property taxes, please review our personal property information page.

10. How are the taxes determined on my property?

    The amount of annual taxes for a property is the result of the assessment process and the total mill levies for the taxing authorities that provide public services. The County Assessor establishes the value of all property for tax purposes. The taxing authorities use the assessed value to determine their mill levies. A mill is 1/10th of a penny or $1.00 revenue for each $1,000 of assessed valuation. Information concerning the tax levy can be obtained by contacting the governing boards of the taxing entities. 

11. How do I calculate my taxes?

    Actual Value x Assessment Rate x Mill Levy / 1000 = Property Tax

    For residential lots with an improvement or mobile homes, the following example shows how to determine your property tax: 

    $300,000 Actual Value x 7.15% Assessment Rate = $21,450 Assessed Value
    $21,450 Assessed Value x 86.49 mills/1000 = $1,855.21 tax amount

    For commercial or unimproved residential lots, the following example shows how to determine your property tax: 

    $300,000 Actual Value x 29% Assessment Rate = $87,000 Assessed Value
    $87,000 Assessed Value x 86.49 mills/1000 = $7,524.63 tax amount

12. Why do I have to pay property taxes?

    Taxes pay for local government services. Your tax money supports and provides for the following areas:

    • Schools
    • Cities and towns
    • Police and fire protection
    • Health services
    • County and city roads
    • Water and sewer lines
    • Public libraries
    • Recreation and parks
    • Human services
    • Community corrections/court systems

13. What do you mean by real and personal property?

    Real property is considered to be permanently fixed in nature (land and improvements on the land). Improvements include all structures, buildings, fixtures, fences, and water rights. Personal property is generally known as portable or moveable items such as equipment or furniture used in the production of income.

14. Are there any programs to help senior citizens with their tax burden?

    Yes, a Tax Deferral (delay) Program is available to senior citizens, whereby the State of Colorado pays the taxes on your residence and holds a lien on your property until it is sold, or changes are made to your qualifications. Interest will be charged annually on each deferral. An individual must be 65 or older as of January 1 of the year claimed. Please contact the Treasurer's Office at (970) 870-5555 or email us for further information.

    
    

15. Where can I find information about the Senior Homestead Exemption program?

    Eligibility for the Senior Homestead Exemption is determined by the Assessor's Office. 

16. Does the Treasurer collect any payment other than property tax?

    Yes, the Treasurer collects Special Assessment Liens certified to the Office of the Treasurer in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes.