Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in El Paso County

El Paso County, Colorado, assesses property taxes based on the *real market value* of each parcel. The County Assessor’s Office determines this value each year by reviewing recent sales of comparable properties, applying cost‑approach methods for new construction, and factoring any improvements or changes in use. Once the assessment is finalized (typically in June), the value is multiplied by the cumulative mill levy—expressed in mills, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value.

Millage rates are set by local taxing entities such as the county, school districts, cities, fire protection districts, and special districts (e.g., water and sanitation). For the 2024‑2025 fiscal year, the combined levy for a standard residential property in El Paso County hovered around 28.5 mills, but the exact rate can vary by neighborhood and the specific districts that serve the parcel. To calculate an estimate:

• Determine the assessed value (e.g., $250,000).
• Convert the mill rate to a decimal (28.5 mills ÷ 1,000 = 0.0285).
• Multiply: $250,000 × 0.0285 = $7,125 in annual property tax.

Because Colorado does not tax the full market value, but rather the assessed value (often 7.15% of market value for residential properties), the assessor’s published figures already reflect this statutory percentage.

Available Exemptions

Colorado offers several exemptions that directly reduce the taxable portion of a property’s assessed value. Residents of El Paso County may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Provides a $250,000 reduction in taxable value for owner‑occupied residences, effectively lowering the tax bill by up to $7,125 (based on a 28.5‑mill rate).
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents aged 65 or older with a combined household income ≤ $75,000 can receive an additional $2,000 reduction in taxable value.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified persons with a documented disability may claim a $2,000 reduction, similar to the senior exemption.
• Veteran Exemptions:
  • Veterans with a service‑connected disability receive a $2,000 exemption.
  • Gold Star families (spouses of fallen service members) may qualify for an extra $2,000.

Exemptions are applied automatically for qualifying owners when the Assessor’s Office receives proper documentation. Residents should file the required forms (e.g., CO‑86 for senior or disability exemptions) by the annual deadline, typically January 15.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

El Paso County issues two property tax bills each year. The first bill, covering the first half of the tax year, is due **October 1**. The second bill, covering the remaining balance, is due **January 1** of the following calendar year. Property owners may choose one of three payment methods:

• Full payment on the due date (no interest or penalty).
• Two‑installment plan: Pay half of the total amount by the October 1 deadline and the remainder by January 1.
• Automatic electronic withdrawal through the county’s online portal, which applies payments on the due dates.

Late payments incur a 5% penalty on the unpaid balance, plus interest at the Colorado statutory rate (currently 4% per annum). The county may place a tax lien on the property if taxes remain delinquent after six months, potentially leading to tax‑sale proceedings.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to appeal to the El Paso County Board of Assessors. Follow these steps:

• File a Notice of Appeal by the deadline—usually **July 31** for the 2024‑2025 tax year.
• Submit supporting documentation, such as recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraiser’s report, or evidence of property damage.
• Attend a hearing before the Board, where you can present your case and answer questions.
• The Board will issue a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. If unsatisfied, you may further appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals (CBOAA) within 20 days of the county decision.

Preparing a well‑organized packet—clearly outlining discrepancies and providing credible market data—greatly improves the likelihood of a successful reduction. For detailed forms and timelines, visit the El Paso County Assessor’s website or contact the office directly.