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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Chaffee County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% to 1.2% of market value, varies by special taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Chaffee County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county government operations. The county uses Colorado's dual assessment system, where residential properties are assessed at different rates for school district taxes (7.05% for 2025) versus local government taxes (6.25% for 2025). This creates two separate assessed values for each residential property beginning with the 2025 property tax year.

Property tax rates in Chaffee County vary significantly by location due to special taxing districts such as fire protection districts, library districts, and metropolitan districts. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of actual market value, depending on your specific location within the county. Your actual tax bill depends on which special districts serve your property, as each district adds its own mill levy to fund specific services.

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the total mill levy rate for all taxing districts that serve your location. The county assessor determines actual value, applies the appropriate assessment rate, and then the various taxing districts apply their mill levies to calculate your total tax obligation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General FundVariableCounty operations, roads, courts
School DistrictVariableK-12 education funding
Fire ProtectionVariableLocal fire department services
Library DistrictVariablePublic library services
Special DistrictsVariableWater, sewer, parks, recreation
Total Rate Range~12-18 millsVaries by specific location

Note: These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Your specific rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Chaffee County Assessor's Office for your exact mill levy rate, as it varies significantly within the county based on fire districts, library districts, and other special assessments.

Residential properties use different assessment rates: 7.05% for school district taxes and 6.25% for local government taxes. Commercial properties are assessed at 27.0% for all taxing entities.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

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 in Chaffee County are triggered when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year, such as new construction completion, major improvements, or ownership transfers that affect the property's assessed value. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally billed and what should have been billed based on the property's updated status.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the current mill levy rate to that difference. The supplemental tax is prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year after the change occurred.

Example: If you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, and your total mill levy rate is 15 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated as follows: $100,000 (improvement value) × 6.25% (residential assessment rate for local government) × 0.015 (mill rate) × 6/12 months (remaining tax year) = $468 supplemental tax bill.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • School District Assessed Value: $300,000 × 7.05% = $21,150
  • Local Government Assessed Value: $300,000 × 6.25% = $18,750
  • Annual Tax (assuming 15 total mills): ~$600-900
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$50-75

Property Value: $600,000

  • School District Assessed Value: $600,000 × 7.05% = $42,300
  • Local Government Assessed Value: $600,000 × 6.25% = $37,500
  • Annual Tax (assuming 15 total mills): ~$1,200-1,800
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$100-150

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • School District Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 7.05% = $70,500
  • Local Government Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 6.25% = $62,500
  • Annual Tax (assuming 15 total mills): ~$2,000-3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$165-250

Note: These calculations use estimated mill levy rates. Actual rates vary by location within Chaffee County. Available tax credits such as the Senior Homestead Credit or Disabled Veteran Credit can reduce these amounts, but require separate applications and qualification.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Chaffee County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders collect these funds and pay your property taxes directly to the county when due. Your lender will provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your payments are calculated and applied.

Chaffee County offers multiple payment options including a 2-installment plan (due February 28 and April 30) or a 4-installment plan for qualifying properties (due February 28, April 30, July 15, and September 15). If you have an escrow account, your lender typically makes these payments on the standard schedule. You can verify payments were made by checking the Chaffee County Treasurer's website or contacting their office directly.

Lenders must provide you with copies of tax bills and payment confirmations. If you believe your escrow payments are incorrect, review your annual escrow statement and contact your lender. You have the right to request escrow account information and challenge incorrect calculations.

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 property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: For the 2026 payment year (2025 tax year), the first installment is due February 28, 2026, and the second installment is due April 30, 2026. Qualifying residential and commercial properties may use a 4-installment plan with additional due dates of July 15, 2026, and September 15, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Colorado offers several tax credits including the Senior Homestead Credit, Disabled Veteran Credit (50% reduction on first $200,000 of home value), and Gold Star Spouse Credit. All credits require separate applications and are NOT automatic. Beginning January 1, 2024, veteran-related applications must be submitted directly to the Chaffee County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit doesn't reduce your property's market value - instead, it limits assessment increases to help protect against rapid property value growth. You must apply for this credit; it's not automatically applied. Contact the Chaffee County Assessor for current application requirements and deadlines.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: Colorado uses a two-year assessment cycle. Residential properties are reassessed every two years with values determined as of January 1st of the assessment year. The county mails assessment notices in May, and you have 30 days to appeal if you disagree with the valuation.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Chaffee County Treasurer's office for current penalty rates and payment options if you've missed due dates.

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

Q: Why do special district taxes vary within the county? A: Chaffee County contains multiple special districts for fire protection, libraries, water, and other services. Your tax bill includes only the districts that serve your specific property location, which is why rates vary significantly between different areas of the county.

Q: How do I find out which special districts serve my property? A: Contact the Chaffee County Assessor's office with your property address or parcel number. They can provide a complete list of all taxing districts that apply to your property and explain how each affects your tax bill.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Colorado 2025-2027summitcountyco.gov
02
County
Chaffee County Treasurerdpt.colorado.gov
03
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Coloradodpt.colorado.gov
04
Tax Doc
HB25-1199 Property Tax Payment Scheduleleg.colorado.gov
05
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Colorado 2026. ...arapahoeco.gov
06
Exemptions for Religious, Charitable, School, and ...dpt.colorado.gov
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionvets.colorado.gov
08
Volume 5: Personal Property All Chapters | Assessors' Libraryarl.colorado.gov
09
Appendix A 2023-24leg.colorado.gov
10
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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