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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Adams County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Adams County, CO. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.5% to 1.2% of actual market value (varies by location and special districts)
1st Due
Feb 28
2nd Due
Jun 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Adams County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, parks, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which varies significantly by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, water districts, and municipal authorities.

The effective tax rate in Adams County typically ranges from approximately 0.5% to 1.2% of actual market value, depending on your specific location and the special districts that serve your property. Tax rates are composed of levies from multiple entities - county government, school districts, and various special districts - each authorized to collect taxes for specific purposes. Property owners should note that identical homes in different areas of Adams County may have substantially different tax bills due to these district variations.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services, roads, administration
School Districts7.05% assessment rateK-12 education funding
Local Governments6.25% assessment rateMunicipal services, special districts
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtFire and emergency services
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library operations
Water/Sewer DistrictsVaries by districtUtility infrastructure and services
Parks & RecreationVaries by districtParks, open space, recreational facilities

Rates shown apply to the 2025 tax levy year. Assessment rates are applied to the assessed value of residential and multi-family properties. Total effective rates vary significantly by property location within Adams County based on which special taxing districts serve the property. Contact the Adams County Assessor's office for specific rates applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Adams County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Feb 28
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Jun 15
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property's new assessed value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then multiplying by the applicable tax rate and prorating for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you purchase a home in Adams County in September that was previously assessed at $250,000 but now reflects a $350,000 market value, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 increase in assessed value, multiplied by your area's tax rate, covering September through June of the current tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25% residential): $18,750
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Veteran Credit (if applicable): -$1,500
  • Net Taxable Value: $17,250
  • Annual Tax (estimated 0.8% effective rate): $1,380
  • Monthly Payment: $115

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25% residential): $37,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$2,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $35,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 0.9% effective rate): $3,195
  • Monthly Payment: $266

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.25% residential): $62,500
  • Less: Available Credits: -$1,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $61,500
  • Annual Tax (estimated 1.0% effective rate): $6,150
  • Monthly Payment: $513

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and qualification. Rates vary by specific location within Adams County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Adams County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments include principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Lenders collect approximately 1/12th of your annual property tax bill each month and pay the county directly when taxes are due. Your lender will typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing to ensure adequate funds are available.

Property tax bills are issued annually but paid in two installments - first half due by July 1st and second half due by December 1st. Lenders usually pay each installment when due, though some may choose to pay the full annual amount with the first installment. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing tax payments made and any adjustments to your monthly payment. If your escrow account has insufficient funds due to tax increases, your lender may require a lump sum payment or spread the shortage over 12 months.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Adams County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: First half payment is due July 1, 2025, and second half is due December 1, 2025. If you miss both deadlines, the full amount becomes due January 1, 2026. Due dates move to the next business day when they fall on weekends or holidays.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Adams County offers several tax credits that require separate applications, including the Homestead Credit for qualifying seniors, the Disabled Veteran Credit, and the Senior Property Tax Exemption. Credits reduce your tax bill directly and are NOT automatic - you must apply with the Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases rather than reducing market value. For qualifying seniors (65+), it caps assessment growth and requires annual application. This credit helps prevent seniors from being taxed out of their homes due to rising property values.

Q: When are properties reassessed in Adams County? A: Colorado conducts property reassessments every two years. The most recent reassessment was for the 2023 tax year, with the next scheduled for 2025. Property owners can appeal their assessed values during designated appeal periods.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. After January 1st, unpaid taxes begin accruing interest, and properties may eventually face tax lien sales if taxes remain unpaid for extended periods.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Adams County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Adams County? A: Tax rates vary because different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (school, fire, library, water, etc.). Each district sets its own levy rate, so your total rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How do I find out which special districts serve my property? A: Contact the Adams County Assessor's office or use their online property search tool with your address or parcel number to see all taxing entities that apply to your specific property.

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