Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Eagle County

Eagle County calculates property taxes by first determining the market value of the land and any improvements (such as a home or other structures). The County Assessor’s Office conducts an annual assessment, generally in the spring, and sends a notice of value to each property owner. This assessed value represents roughly 100 % of the property's market value, but owners may receive a notice of reduction if the market declines.

Once the assessed value is set, the tax bill is derived by applying the appropriate millage rates. A “mill” is one‑tenth of one cent, or $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. Eagle County’s total millage rate consists of several components:

• County General Fund – funds roads, law enforcement, and administration.
• School Districts – includes Vail School District and other local districts.
• Special Districts – fire protection, water and sanitation, and transportation districts.
• State‑levied charges – e.g., Colorado School Funding and Medicaid.

The combined rate for the 2024‑2025 fiscal year is approximately 71.5 mills (subject to change each year). To estimate your annual tax, multiply the assessed value by the millage rate and divide by 1,000. For example, a home assessed at $350,000 with a 71.5‑mill rate would owe $24,925 in property taxes.

Available Exemptions

Colorado offers several exemptions that can lower the taxable value of a property. In Eagle County, qualifying owners may claim one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption – Reduces the taxable portion of a primary residence by $2,000. It is automatically applied for owners who occupy the home as their legal residence.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents aged 65 or older may receive a $5,000 exemption, plus an additional $5,000 if the senior’s income is below the state‑defined threshold.
• Disability Exemption – If a homeowner is declared totally disabled, a $2,000 exemption is granted, with an extra $5,000 for those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or state disability benefits.
• Veteran Exemptions –
  • Honorable discharge veterans receive a $5,000 exemption.
  • Disabled veterans get a $10,000 exemption, plus an extra $20,000 if they are 100 % disabled.

Exemptions must be applied for annually through the Eagle County Assessor’s Office, typically by the deadline indicated on the assessment notice (often early September).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Eagle County are due in two installments:

• First installment – Due August 1 (or the first business day after if the 1st falls on a weekend/holiday). This payment covers the first half of the year’s tax liability.
• Second installment – Due November 1 (or the first business day after). This covers the remaining balance.

Owners may also elect to pay the full amount in one lump sum before August 1 to avoid any transaction fees. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the County Treasurer’s Office.

Late payments incur interest at the statutory rate of 9 % per annum plus a $50 delinquency fee. Continued non‑payment may lead to a tax lien, and the County can initiate a tax foreclosure after a legal process.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, Eagle County provides a straightforward appeals process:

• Step 1 – Review the Notice – Examine the assessment notice for errors in property description, square footage, or recent comparable sales.
• Step 2 – File a Petition – Submit a written appeal to the Eagle County Board of Equalization (BOE) within 30 days of the notice mailing date. Include supporting documentation such as recent appraisals, sales data, or photographs.
• Step 3 – BOE Hearing – The BOE will schedule a hearing, typically within 45 days of receiving the petition. You may present evidence in person or by certified mail.
• Step 4 – Decision – The BOE issues a written decision, which may confirm, reduce, or increase the assessment. If unsatisfied, you can appeal the BOE’s decision to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days.

Keep copies of all correspondence and be prepared to demonstrate how the current assessment diverges from market reality. Prompt, organized appeals often result in adjustments that substantially lower your tax burden.