Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Cheyenne County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Cheyenne County

Cheyenne County follows Colorado’s statewide assessment system. Each parcel is evaluated at its Fair Market Value (FMV) as of January 1 of the tax year. The county assessor then applies a uniform assessment ratio—currently 100 % for residential and most commercial properties—to determine the taxable value. This taxable value is multiplied by the applicable millage rate(s) to calculate the annual tax bill.

Millage rates are expressed in “mills,” where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. The overall rate is a combination of the County, School District, and any special districts (e.g., fire protection or water). As of the most recent fiscal year, Cheyenne County’s base county rate is roughly 30 mills, the school district adds about 65 mills, and special districts contribute an additional 5‑10 mills, resulting in an overall rate near 100‑110 mills. Changes to the rate are voted on by the Board of County Commissioners and the local school board each year.

Available Exemptions

Colorado law provides several exemptions that directly reduce the taxable value of a property. In Cheyenne County, eligible owners can claim one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption – Up to $2,500 of the assessed value is exempt for a primary residence. This exemption is automatic for owner‑occupied homes, but a claim form must be filed for new owners.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents age 65 or older with a household income below a state‑determined threshold (typically $45,000) can receive a $500 exemption per qualifying senior.
• Disability Exemption – Qualified individuals with a disability may claim an additional $1,500 exemption on their primary residence.
• Veteran Exemption – Disabled veterans, or surviving spouses of veterans killed in action, are eligible for a $1,500 exemption. The amount increases with the level of disability, up to $5,000 for 100 % disabled veterans.

All exemptions must be applied for on the “Property Tax Exemption Application” (Form 1050) and submitted to the Cheyenne County Assessor’s Office by the deadline indicated on the assessment notice, usually early March.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Cheyenne County are payable in two semi‑annual installments:

• First installment – 50 % of the total bill is due by **March 31**.
• Second installment – The remaining balance is due by **July 31**.

Taxpayers may also opt for quarterly payments (March 31, June 15, September 15, and December 15) if the county offers that option, which can help spread out cash flow.

Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Cheyenne County Treasurer’s Office. A **2 % discount** is applied to the first installment when paid electronically by the March deadline.

Late payments incur a **10 % penalty** plus **6 % annual interest** on the overdue amount. If taxes remain unpaid after the second installment deadline, the county may initiate a tax lien, and ultimately a tax sale, to recover the debt.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe the assessed value of your property is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal:

• File a Notice of Appeal – Submit a written notice to the Cheyenne County Assessor’s Office within **60 days** of the date on the assessment notice.
• Gather Supporting Evidence – Provide recent sales data for comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or documentation of any condition that affects value.
• Board of Equalization Hearing – The appeal is heard by the Cheyenne County Board of Equalization. You may present your case in person or by written statement.
• Decision & Further Review – The board issues a written decision within 30 days. If you disagree, you can request a judicial review in the Colorado District Court.

Remember to keep copies of all correspondence and evidence, and consider consulting a local property tax attorney or consultant for complex disputes.