Property tax + homestead exemption in Colorado

Colorado at a glance

Colorado is home to about 576,653 foreign-born residents (9.8% of the state’s 5,862,189 people) and 1,320,937 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (22.5%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Colorado regardless of immigration status unless noted.

Effective rate in Colorado

0.51% of property value annually.

This means: a $300,000 home pays approximately $1,530/year in property taxes (state-level only — counties and municipalities add).

Homestead Exemption in Colorado

Homestead exemption in Colorado — verified rules
Available to all owners?NO — seniors/disabled/veterans only
The benefitHomestead exemption is restricted to seniors 65+ (10-year owner-occupants), disabled veterans, and Gold Star spouses — no general owner-occupant break
How to applyEligible seniors apply once with the county assessor (July 15 deadline)
If you only have an ITINVaries / not specified — Not applicable to non-senior owners
Verifydpt.colorado.gov

Verified 2026-06-10 against the state revenue department and official forms. Rules changed in several states in 2024-2026 — confirm before filing.

How to apply

  1. Buy the home: closing completed with title + ITIN or SSN
  2. Notify county assessor: change of ownership triggers new valuation
  3. Apply for Homestead: county form, generally must file before March (varies)
  4. Verify eligibility: primary residence, not second home
  5. Receive discount: applied on your next tax bill

Additional exemption categories (most states)

  • Senior: 65+ with income limits
  • Disabled: medical documents
  • Veteran: any US veteran or disability coverage
  • Surviving spouse: widows of veterans/police/firefighters

Tax payment

If you have a mortgage

Lender usually collects property tax + insurance in your monthly payment through escrow account. Each month:

  • Mortgage principal: $XXX
  • Property tax escrow: $XX
  • Insurance escrow: $XX
  • Total monthly: $XXXX

Lender pays tax + insurance directly from escrow.

If you DON’T have a mortgage

You pay directly to county:

  • By mail
  • Online (county site)
  • In person at County Treasurer office

Deadlines

Not paying = costs:

  • 1-30 days late: 1-5% surcharge
  • 30+ days: penalty + interest
  • 1+ year: possible foreclosure for tax delinquency (loss of property)

For ITIN immigrants

  1. Buying property with ITIN: YES allowed, several lenders
  2. Register for property tax: use ITIN
  3. Apply for homestead: same form as any owner
  4. Pay taxes: in your name, account in your name
  5. Benefits: same legal protection as any owner

Last verified: 2026-06-15.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.