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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Boulder County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.6%-1.2% of actual value (varies by taxing districts)
1st Due
Jun 15
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Boulder County's property tax system funds essential local services including public schools, fire protection, libraries, parks, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the mill levy rate for your specific location. The effective tax rate in Boulder County typically ranges from 0.6% to 1.2% of actual value, depending on your property's location and the special taxing districts that serve your area.

Actual tax rates vary significantly within Boulder County because properties are served by different combinations of special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and municipal improvements. Each taxing district sets its own mill levy, so two similar homes in different parts of the county may have substantially different tax bills. Property assessments are conducted every two years by the Boulder County Assessor's Office, with the most recent reassessment affecting tax bills for the 2023 and 2024 tax years.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentApproximate Rate (Mills)Description
Boulder Valley School District RE-225-30K-12 public education funding
St. Vrain Valley School District RE-1J23-28K-12 public education funding (northern areas)
Boulder County General Fund8-12County services, roads, sheriff
Fire Protection Districts3-8Emergency services, fire suppression
Library Districts2-4Public library operations
Municipal Levies0-15City/town services (incorporated areas only)
Special Assessment Districts0-10Local improvements, metropolitan districts
Total Estimated Range61-107 MillsVaries significantly by location

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2024 (payable in 2024-2025) and represent typical ranges. Your actual mill levy depends on your specific location and applicable taxing districts. One mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Jun 15
Delinquent after Dec 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, completion of new construction, or other assessable improvements made during the tax year. In Boulder County, supplemental taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you purchase a home in Boulder County in July that was previously assessed at $400,000 but now has an assessed value of $500,000 due to market changes or improvements, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $100,000 difference in assessed value, calculated for the remaining six months of the tax year. The supplemental tax would be approximately $6,100 (using a 122 mill rate example) × 50% (6 months remaining) = $3,050, due within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Boulder

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Rate: 6.765% (residential rate)
  • Assessed Value: $20,295
  • Senior Homestead Credit Applied: -$1,691 (assuming qualification and application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $18,604
  • Mill Levy: 95 mills (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $1,767
  • Monthly Escrow: $147

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Lafayette

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Rate: 6.765%
  • Assessed Value: $40,590
  • Senior Homestead Credit Applied: -$3,382 (if applicable and filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $37,208
  • Mill Levy: 110 mills (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $4,093
  • Monthly Escrow: $341

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Louisville

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Rate: 6.765%
  • Assessed Value: $67,650
  • Credits Applied: $0 (assuming no applications filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,650
  • Mill Levy: 88 mills (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $5,953
  • Monthly Escrow: $496

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Rates vary by specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Boulder County require borrowers to escrow property taxes as part of their monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month and pays your taxes directly to Boulder County when due. Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in payment adjustments.

Property taxes in Boulder County are due in two installments: the first half by the last day of February, and the second half by June 15th each year. Your mortgage servicer should receive tax bills directly from the County Treasurer and make payments on your behalf before the due dates. It's important to verify that your lender has the correct mailing address for tax bills and to review your annual escrow statements for accuracy. If you pay taxes independently without escrow, you can make payments online through Boulder County's website, by mail, or in person at the Treasurer's office.

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 Boulder County property taxes due for Tax Year 2024? A: Property taxes are due in two equal installments: first half by February 28, 2025, and second half by June 15, 2025. You may also pay the full amount by February 28th to avoid the second payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Senior Homestead Credit is available for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans, requiring annual application by July 1st. The Disabled Veteran Credit provides additional relief for qualifying veterans. Both require separate applications filed with the Boulder County Assessor's Office and are not automatically applied.

Q: How does the Senior Homestead Credit work? A: The Senior Homestead Credit limits assessment increases to 50% of the percentage increase in median home values statewide, helping control property tax growth for qualifying seniors. You must apply annually by July 1st, and it only applies to your primary residence. This credit caps assessment growth rather than reducing your home's market value.

Q: When does Boulder County reassess properties? A: Boulder County conducts property reassessments every two years. The most recent reassessment was effective for tax years 2023-2024, with the next reassessment scheduled for 2025-2026.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Boulder County Board of Equalization by July 1st of the assessment year. You can file online through the County Assessor's website or submit a written protest form with supporting evidence of your property's value.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur a 1% penalty per month after the due date, plus 1% interest per month on the unpaid balance. After three years of delinquency, properties may be subject to tax lien sale.

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

Q: Why do properties in different parts of Boulder County have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary because properties are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (school districts, fire districts, library districts, etc.). Each district sets its own mill levy based on funding needs, creating location-specific total tax rates.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes ownership, new construction is completed, or significant improvements are made during the tax year. The supplemental amount is based on the increased assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Q: How do I verify my lender is paying my property taxes correctly? A: Review your annual escrow analysis statement and verify payments appear on your Boulder County property tax account online. Contact your lender immediately if you receive delinquency notices, as escrow shortfalls can result in late penalties.

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