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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clear Creek County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies significantly by location due to multiple special taxing districts including school, fire, water/sanitation districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clear Creek County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, emergency services, roads, and county operations. The county operates on an assessment and collection system where property values are assessed by the County Assessor and taxes are collected by the County Treasurer. Property tax revenue for Clear Creek County is subject to state-imposed growth limitations, with qualified property tax revenue capped at a 5.25% annual increase for 2025.

The effective tax rate in Clear Creek County varies significantly by location within the county due to multiple special taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, water and sanitation districts, and other local improvement districts. Property owners should expect their actual tax rate to differ based on which special districts serve their specific property location. The county follows Colorado's standard assessment methodology with residential properties assessed at 6.765% of actual value and commercial properties at 24% of actual value for the current tax cycle.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County General2.5-4.0 millsBasic county services and operations
School District15.0-25.0 millsK-12 education funding (varies by district)
Fire Protection3.0-8.0 millsEmergency and fire services
Library District1.5-3.0 millsPublic library services
Water/Sanitation2.0-6.0 millsWater and sewer services (where applicable)
Special Assessments0.5-5.0 millsLocal improvement districts, bonds
Total Effective Rate24.5-51.0 millsVaries by property location

Levy Year: 2025 (payable 2026)

Note: One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. Actual rates vary significantly based on the combination of special taxing districts that serve each property. Contact the County Assessor for your specific tax district combination and precise rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clear Creek 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 Clear Creek County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, a supplemental assessment is calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously assessed at $180,000 but now has a market value requiring a $240,000 assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the additional assessed value ($240,000 - $180,000 = $60,000 difference × assessment ratio × applicable tax rate × 6/12 months remaining in the tax year). New construction supplemental taxes are calculated from the date the improvement is substantially complete and ready for occupancy.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.765%): $20,295
  • Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,765 (50% of first $200k assessed value)
  • Net Taxable Value: $13,530
  • Tax Rate (35 mills average): $473.55 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $39.46

Example 2: $600,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.765%): $40,590
  • Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,765
  • Net Taxable Value: $33,825
  • Tax Rate (35 mills average): $1,183.88 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $98.66

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.765%): $67,650
  • Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$6,765
  • Net Taxable Value: $60,885
  • Tax Rate (35 mills average): $2,130.98 annually
  • Monthly Payment: $177.58

Note: Credits require annual application and qualification. Actual tax rates vary by special district combination.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Clear Creek County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly tax payments as part of your mortgage payment and pays the county directly when taxes are due. The lender estimates annual taxes based on prior year amounts and may adjust monthly payments if tax bills significantly increase or decrease.

Property taxes in Clear Creek County are typically due in two installments during the year following assessment. Your lender will receive tax statements directly and should pay on time to avoid penalties. However, property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring timely payment even when using escrow. You can verify payments were made by checking with the County Treasurer's office or accessing online payment records. If your loan is paid off or you refinance, remember to establish direct payment arrangements to avoid missing due dates.

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 Clear Creek County property taxes due for the 2025 tax year? A: The 2025 property tax notices will be due in 2026. Check the county website for specific due dates as they become available.

Q: What property tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary credit is the Senior Property Tax Exemption, which provides 50% exemption on the first $200,000 of actual value for qualifying seniors. This credit requires annual application and is NOT automatic - you must file with the County Assessor's office.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work? A: Colorado's homestead exemption limits assessment increases on your primary residence. This caps the growth of your assessed value, not your market value, and requires filing an application to establish homestead status.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. The last day to pay delinquent property taxes to avoid tax lien is September 30, 2025. After this date, properties may be subject to tax lien sale, scheduled for November 7, 2025.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Clear Creek County? A: Colorado law requires county assessors to reappraise all properties every two years. Clear Creek County follows this statewide schedule for updated market valuations.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the valuation is incorrect. Appeal deadlines and procedures are provided with your assessment notice.

Q: Are there payment options available online? A: Contact the Clear Creek County Treasurer's office for current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Note that delinquent taxes may require cash or certified funds only.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your property may be located in multiple special taxing districts (fire, water, library, etc.). Each district adds to your total tax rate, which is why rates vary significantly by location within the county.

Q: What exemptions are available for disabled veterans or other groups? A: Check with the County Assessor's office for available exemptions for disabled veterans, seniors, and other qualifying groups. Most exemptions require annual application with supporting documentation.

Q: How is new construction assessed for property taxes? A: New construction is assessed when substantially complete. You'll receive a supplemental tax bill prorated from the completion date through the end of the tax year.

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