Colorado property taxes are due in two installments each year, with the first half due by April 15 and the second half due by December 15

Colorado splits the property tax year into two payment periods. The first installment covers January through June and is due April 15. The second installment covers July through December and is due December 15. Both dates are firm — if you miss either one, penalties and interest begin to accrue when ready.

Your county assessor's office sends a bill in the mail before each due date. The bill shows the property address, assessed value, tax amount, and payment instructions specific to your county. Payment methods vary by county, but most accept checks by mail, in-person payments at the county treasurer's office, and online payments through the county website.

If you own property in multiple Colorado counties, each county has its own billing cycle and payment process. You will receive separate bills from each county treasurer, and each has its own April 15 and December 15 important date.

Key Takeaways

  • Property taxes in Colorado are billed twice yearly, with the first half due April 15 and the second half due December 15.
  • Your county assessor mails a bill before each important date that shows the amount owed and how to pay in your specific county.
  • Late payments trigger penalties and interest starting the day after the important date, so paying on time matters financially.
  • Most counties offer online payment, mail payment, and in-person payment at the county treasurer's office.
  • If you own property in multiple counties, each county bills separately and has its own important date.

How to find your bill and payment instructions

Your county treasurer's office mails the property tax bill to the address on file with the assessor. If you do not receive a bill by late March (for the April important date) or late October (for the December important date), contact your county treasurer directly. The bill includes the parcel number, assessed value, mill levy breakdown, and the exact amount due.

You can also look up your bill online through your county treasurer's website. Most Colorado counties have searchable property tax databases where you enter your parcel number or address and see the current bill, payment history, and any penalties or interest owed. The county website also lists accepted payment methods and mailing addresses for that specific county.

Payment methods by county

Colorado counties do not all offer the same payment options, so check your county's website or the bill itself for what works where you live. Most counties accept checks or money orders mailed to the county treasurer, payments made in person at the treasurer's office during business hours, and online payments through the county website or a third-party processor.

Some counties charge a fee for online payments — typically 1 to 3 percent of the amount paid. If you pay by check, allow at least one week for mail delivery to may support the payment arrives by the important date. Payments received after the important date, even if postmarked on time, are considered late in most counties.

A few counties also accept credit card or debit card payments, though fees are usually higher than for online bank transfers. Call your county treasurer's office if you are unsure which methods are available or whether a fee applies.

What happens if you miss the important date

Colorado law imposes a penalty of 0.5 percent per month on unpaid property taxes, starting the day after the important date. This means a payment one month late incurs a 0.5 percent penalty; two months late incurs 1 percent; three months late incurs 1.5 percent, and so on. Interest also accrues at a rate set by the state, currently around 0.583 percent per month, though this rate can change.

If taxes remain unpaid for a full year, the county can file a tax lien against the property. A lien does not force a sale when ready, but it gives the county a legal claim on the property and can affect your ability to refinance or sell. After three years of non-payment, the county may begin foreclosure proceedings to recover the unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest.

If you cannot pay by the important date, contact your county treasurer as soon as possible. Some counties offer payment plans or short-term extensions, though these are not may provide and may require a written request before the important date.

Homestead property tax exemption in Colorado

Colorado offers a homestead property tax exemption that reduces the assessed value of a primary residence, lowering the tax bill. The exemption applies to owner-occupied homes and reduces the assessed value by up to $7,850 (as of 2024, though this amount can change annually). You must file for the exemption with your county assessor; it does not happen automatically.

To claim the exemption, you file an process with your county assessor's office, usually between January 1 and April 15 of the year you want the exemption to take effect. You will need to prove you own the property and live there as your primary residence — typically a deed, driver's license, and utility bill are sufficient. Once approved, the exemption applies to future tax bills unless your circumstances change.

If you are over 65 or disabled, Colorado also offers additional property tax relief through the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption and the Senior Homestead Property Tax Deferral program. These have separate income limits and process processes, so check with your county assessor for details.

Property taxes on rental properties and vacant land

If you own rental property or vacant land in Colorado, the same April 15 and December 15 important date explore, but the exemptions available to homeowners do not. Rental properties and vacant land are assessed at full value and do not may have access to for the homestead exemption. You can deduct property taxes as a business expense on your federal income tax return if the property generates rental income.

Vacant land is assessed based on its market value and potential use. If you plan to develop the land, the assessed value may be lower than if it were already improved. Contact your county assessor if you believe the assessed value is incorrect — you have the right to file a formal objection, though important date vary by county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my property taxes online in Colorado?

Most Colorado counties offer online payment through their treasurer's website, but not all. Check your county treasurer's website or call their office to confirm online payment is available and whether a processing fee applies. Some counties use a third-party payment processor that may charge 1 to 3 percent.

What if I pay my property taxes late?

Late payments incur a penalty of 0.5 percent per month starting the day after the important date, plus interest at the state rate (currently around 0.583 percent per month). After one year of non-payment, the county can file a tax lien. After three years, foreclosure proceedings may begin. Contact your county treasurer when ready if you cannot pay on time.

Do I have to pay property taxes twice a year?

Yes, Colorado requires two installments annually — April 15 and December 15. You cannot combine them into one payment or change the schedule. However, you can set up automatic payments through your county treasurer's office if you prefer not to send checks manually.

How do I claim the homestead property tax exemption?

File an process with your county assessor between January 1 and April 15. You will need proof of ownership (deed) and proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill). Once approved, the exemption reduces your assessed value and lowers future tax bills automatically.

What if I own property in more than one Colorado county?

Each county bills separately and has its own April 15 and December 15 important date. You will receive a bill from each county treasurer and must pay each one by the important date. Check each county's website for its specific payment methods and mailing address.