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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Denver County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Denver 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
3.76% of assessed value (varies by district)
1st Due
Feb 28
2nd Due
Jun 15
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Denver County's property tax system operates under Colorado's mill levy structure, where taxes are calculated based on assessed values and combined mill levies from various local jurisdictions. Property taxes in Denver County fund essential public services including public schools, county government operations, special districts, municipal services, and community colleges. All property tax revenue generated stays within the county, ensuring local investment in community infrastructure and services.

The effective property tax rate in Denver County is approximately 3.76% of assessed value for 2025, though the total rate varies depending on the specific location within the county due to overlapping taxing districts. Colorado assesses residential properties at a reduced rate compared to commercial properties, with residential assessment rates subject to legislative adjustments. Property owners can expect their tax burden to be distributed fairly based on accurate property valuations established by the Denver County Assessor's Office.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Local Government3.7633%Base Denver County local government operations
School DistrictVariesPublic school funding (varies by district within county)
Special DistrictsVariesFire protection, library, parks, water/sewer districts
MunicipalVariesCity services (if within incorporated area)
Junior CollegeVariesCommunity college district funding
Total Effective Rate~3.76%+Combined rate varies by property location

Note: The total effective rate depends on which overlapping taxing jurisdictions serve your specific property location within Denver County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Denver 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 in Denver County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership, value, or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date. Common triggers include ownership changes through sale or transfer, new construction projects, major renovations that increase property value, or the completion of previously assessed construction in progress.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by applying the current tax rate to the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year. For example, if a property undergoes a major renovation completed in September that increases its assessed value by $50,000, and the local tax rate is 3.76%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,880 ($50,000 × 0.0376) prorated for the remaining four months of the tax year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $627.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: ~$21,600 (residential assessment rate)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $21,600
  • Tax Rate: 3.76%
  • Annual Tax: $812
  • Monthly Escrow: $68

$600,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: ~$43,200 (residential assessment rate)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $43,200
  • Tax Rate: 3.76%
  • Annual Tax: $1,624
  • Monthly Escrow: $135

$1,000,000 Property Value:

  • Assessed Value: ~$72,000 (residential assessment rate)
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $72,000
  • Tax Rate: 3.76%
  • Annual Tax: $2,707
  • Monthly Escrow: $226

Note: Colorado's residential assessment rate is significantly lower than actual value, currently around 7.2% for residential properties.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Denver County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly tax payments are collected along with principal and interest payments. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of the annual property tax amount each month, plus an additional cushion as allowed by federal law. The lender pays property taxes directly to Denver County when they become due on April 30th each year.

Property owners should verify that their lender has current tax information and is making timely payments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or new levies, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted at your annual escrow analysis. You can monitor your property tax payments and verify receipt by Denver County through the official payment portal at: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Department-of-Finance/Treasury

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 in Denver County? A: Property taxes are due by April 30th annually. Extensions can be requested by April 15th with a fee of $2 per day.

Q: What exemptions are available for homeowners? A: Colorado offers a homestead exemption for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans. Check with the Denver County Assessor for current exemption amounts and eligibility requirements.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Colorado conducts property reassessments every two years, with values based on market conditions as of the assessment date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Contact the Denver County Assessor's Office to file an appeal. You must provide evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its actual market value.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After significant delinquency, the county may place a tax lien on the property.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available through the Denver County Treasury Department's website.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts (fire, library, parks) add their mill levies to your total tax rate based on your property's location within district boundaries.

Q: What if I disagree with new construction supplemental taxes? A: You can appeal supplemental assessments through the same process as regular assessments by contacting the Assessor's Office.

For additional questions and services, visit: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Assessors-Office

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 Coloradodpt.colorado.gov
02
Tax Doc
Business Personal Property Taxcontent.leg.colorado.gov
03
Tax Doc
Calculation of Property Tax for Special Districtscontent.leg.colorado.gov
04
2024 Abstract of Assessment Report and Certification ...dpt.colorado.gov
05
Filing Deadlines | Colorado Department of Local Affairs ...dpt.colorado.gov
06
Tax Doc
HB25-1199 Property Tax Payment Scheduleleg.colorado.gov
07
INTRODUCED - Colorado General Assemblyleg.colorado.gov
08
Tax Doc
SCR22-002 Homestead Property Tax Exemption Expansionleg.colorado.gov
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Relief Programs for Senior Citizenscontent.leg.colorado.gov
10
Tax Doc
Property Taxcontent.leg.colorado.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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