Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Las Animas County

Each year the Las Animas County Assessor’s Office determines the taxable value of every parcel of real and personal property within the county. The process begins with a market‑value appraisal that reflects what the property would sell for on the open market on the lien date (typically January 1 of the tax year). This value is then reduced by any applicable exemptions before the county applies the combined millage rate.

The millage rate is expressed in mills (one‑tenth of a cent) and represents the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Las Animas County’s total millage rate is the sum of several components, including:

• County General Fund (approximately 5 mills)
• School Districts (around 70 mills total, varying by district)
• Special districts such as fire protection, water, and transportation (typically 10‑15 mills combined)
• Any voter‑approved bonds or levies

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 rate of 90 mills would owe $10,800 in property tax for that year.

Available Exemptions

Colorado law provides several exemptions that directly lower the taxable value of a property. Las Animas County applies these automatically when eligible, but owners should verify that the proper paperwork is on file.

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $75,000 of the market value is exempt for a primary residence (the exemption amount may increase based on inflation).
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents 65 years or older may claim an additional exemption of $60,000 on the taxable value, provided the home is their principal residence.
• Disability Exemption: Qualified disabled persons (or their surviving spouses) can receive a $60,000 exemption on the assessed value of their primary home.
• Veteran Exemption: Honorably discharged veterans, or their surviving spouses, are eligible for a $60,000 exemption on the taxable value of their primary residence.

These exemptions are cumulative where allowed; for example, a senior veteran may combine the senior and veteran exemptions for a total reduction of $120,000.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Colorado property taxes are billed in two installments, but the legal due date for the entire bill is **November 30**.

• First installment: Typically mailed in early May and payable by **May 1**. Early payment (often in April) may qualify for a modest discount depending on the county’s policy.
• Second installment: Usually mailed in early October and payable by **November 1**.
• Late payment: Any amount unpaid after November 30 accrues a penalty of 5 % plus interest that compounds daily, as prescribed by Colorado law.

Property owners may pay the full amount at any time, split the two installments, or use an automatic debit arrangement offered by the county treasurer’s office to avoid missed deadlines.

Appealing Your Assessment

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

1. File a Notice of Protest: Submit the form to the Las Animas County Assessor’s Office within **30 days** of receiving the notice of assessment.
2. Attend a hearing: The assessor’s board will schedule a hearing where you can present evidence such as recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or photographs.
3. Decision: The board issues a written decision within 30 days of the hearing. If the decision is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Colorado State Board of Equalization, again within 30 days of the board’s decision.
4. Prepare your case: Bring all supporting documents, a clear statement of why the value is incorrect, and be prepared to answer questions about property improvements or condition.

Timely filing and a well‑organized presentation are the keys to a successful appeal. For detailed forms and contact information, visit the Las Animas County Assessor’s website or call the office directly.