Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Fremont County

All real and personal property within Fremont County—ranging from single‑family homes to commercial parcels—is subject to an annual property tax. The process begins with an assessment conducted by the County Assessor. The Assessor determines market value for each parcel, typically using recent sales data, cost‑approach methods, and any improvements recorded on the property.

Once the market value is established, the Assessor applies the County’s assessment rate (currently 7.15% for residential property) to arrive at the taxable value. This taxable value is then multiplied by the combined millage rate—the amount of tax levied per $1,000 of taxable value. Fremont County’s millage rates are comprised of several components:

• County general fund (approximately 51 mills)
• School district levies (varies by district, typically 30‑45 mills)
• City or town rates (e.g., Cañon City, 13‑20 mills)
• Special districts such as fire protection, water, or library (usually 2‑8 mills each)
• Any voter‑approved bonds or assessments

To calculate the annual tax bill, multiply the taxable value by the total millage rate and divide by 1,000. For example, a home with a taxable value of $120,000 and a combined millage of 110 mills would owe $13,200 ÷ 1,000 = $13,200 × 0.110 = $1,452 for the year.

Available Exemptions

Colorado law provides several exemptions that can reduce the taxable value of a property. Fremont County applies these statewide exemptions, and eligible owners should submit the appropriate forms to the County Assessor’s Office.

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value by $200 for primary residences.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents 65 years or older may receive a $500 reduction in taxable value; additional reductions are possible for low‑income seniors.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified disabled persons can claim a $500 reduction, with further reductions for low‑income disabled homeowners.
• Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans (or surviving spouses) may qualify for a $500 reduction, plus an additional exemption for those with a 100% service‑connected disability.

All exemptions are applied after the initial assessment and must be re‑claimed each year unless the Assessor has a record of continuous eligibility.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Fremont County issues two semi‑annual tax bills. The first bill, covering the period from July 1 to December 31, is due on September 15. The second bill, covering January 1 to June 30, is due on January 15. Property owners may elect to pay the full amount of each bill by the due date, or they can split the installment into two equal payments, each due on the listed dates.

Late payments incur a penalty of 5 % of the overdue amount, plus interest at the state‑mandated rate (currently 7 % per annum). Continued delinquency may result in tax lien filing and, ultimately, a tax sale of the property. To avoid penalties, homeowners should set up automatic withdrawals through the County’s online portal or arrange a memo‑draw with their bank.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, Fremont County provides a formal appeal process:

• Step 1 – Review the Notice: You will receive an Assessment Notice in early April. Verify the market value and the applied assessment rate.
• Step 2 – File an Appeal: Submit a written appeal to the County Assessor’s Office by June 15. Include supporting documentation such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or evidence of physical defects.
• Step 3 – Attend a Hearing: The Assessor’s Office will schedule a hearing, typically in July. Present your evidence, and the Assessor may adjust the value on the spot or refer the case to the Board of County Commissioners.
• Step 4 – Further Review: If you disagree with the final decision, you may appeal to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals within 30 days of the County’s final determination.

All appeals are free of charge, but gathering reliable evidence—especially a professional appraisal—often yields the most successful outcomes. Prompt action ensures you have ample time to resolve any discrepancies before the tax bill becomes due.