Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in City And Of Denver County

The City and County of Denver assesses property values annually as of January 1. The assessment is based on market value—what the property would likely sell for in an open, competitive transaction. Assessors consider recent sales of comparable homes, improvements, lot size, and any depreciation factors.

Once assessed, the taxable value is multiplied by the combined millage rate to determine the annual tax bill. A mill is one‑tenth of one cent, or $1 of tax per $1,000 of taxable value. In Denver, the millage rate is a composite of several components:

• City of Denver millage – funds municipal services such as police, fire, and street maintenance.
• County of Denver millage – supports county‑wide services including courts, health, and the sheriff’s office.
• School district millage – Denver Public Schools and other charter school districts.
• Special district millages – water, sanitation, fire protection, and transit districts that may apply to specific neighborhoods.

The Denver assessor’s office publishes the current total millage rate each year; for example, a combined rate of 6.5 mills means a property with a taxable value of $300,000 would owe $1,950 in annual property tax (300,000 ÷ 1,000 × 6.5).

Available Exemptions

Denver offers several exemptions that can lower the taxable value of your home. Eligibility is determined by state law and local ordinances.

• Homestead exemption – Reduces the taxable value by $200 for owner‑occupied residences. The exemption is automatic once the property is listed as a primary residence.
• Senior citizen exemption – Residents age 65 or older may receive a $750 exemption, provided they meet income criteria (generally $75,000 or less in adjusted gross income).
• Disability exemption – Qualifying individuals with a permanent disability may claim a $500 exemption, subject to income limits similar to the senior exemption.
• Veteran exemption – Veterans who served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition may receive a $200 exemption. Disabled veterans with a service‑related disability can qualify for the senior/disabled exemption amounts.

Exemptions are applied when you file the Colorado Property Tax/Rent Receipt Form (DR 1385) with the Denver County Treasurer’s Office each year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Denver property taxes are due in four installments. Paying on time avoids penalties and interest.

• First installment – March 1 (covers the first quarter of the tax year).
• Second installment – June 1.
• Third installment – September 1.
• Fourth installment – December 1.

If you miss a deadline, a 1 % late penalty is added to the overdue amount, plus 0.5 % interest per month until the balance is paid in full. The Treasurer’s Office also offers a “pay‑as‑you‑go” option through electronic funds transfer, autopay, or in‑person payments at any Denver County Treasurer’s office.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to appeal.

• Notice of Proposed Property Tax – Review this notice (sent in February) and compare the assessed value to recent comparable sales.
• File an appeal – Submit a written appeal to the Denver County Assessor’s Office within 30 days of receiving the notice. Include supporting documentation such as appraisals, sales data, or photographs of property condition.
• Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) – If the Assessor’s Office denies the appeal, you may request a hearing before the BAA. The hearing must be requested within 30 days of the denial.
• Final determination – The BAA issues a written decision. If you’re still dissatisfied, you may file a petition for judicial review in the Denver County Court.

Throughout the process, maintain copies of all correspondence and be prepared to present clear, objective evidence. Timely filing and thorough documentation significantly improve the likelihood of a favorable adjustment.