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Updated 2025 Tax Year

El Paso County
Property Tax Guide

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

5 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
~1%
Exemptions
1+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

El Paso County's property tax system serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, fire protection, libraries, parks, and county operations. The county encompasses Colorado Springs, the state's second-largest city, along with numerous municipalities and unincorporated areas. Property taxes in El Paso County are administered by the County Assessor's Office, which determines property values, and the County Treasurer's Office, which handles tax collection and payments.

The effective property tax rate in El Paso County for 2025 is approximately 0.73% to 0.77% of assessed value, depending on voter-approved measures in your specific tax district. Colorado assesses residential properties at 6.765% of actual value, meaning property owners pay taxes on roughly 7% of their home's market value. Recent changes include the expiration of a temporary $55,000 residential property value reduction that was in effect for 2023 and 2024, which may result in increased tax bills for many homeowners as the full property value is now subject to taxation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Base County Levy$0.728317Funds county services, roads, sheriff, courts
School DistrictsVariesK-12 education funding, varies by district
Fire DistrictsVariesLocal fire protection and emergency services
Library DistrictVariesPikes Peak Library District services
Park & RecreationVariesRegional parks and recreation facilities
Water DistrictsVariesWater and sanitation services
Voter-Approved Measures$0.037625Additional approved tax increases
Total Effective Rate$0.765942Combined rate with voter-approved taxes

Note: Rates vary by specific tax district and municipality. Manitou Springs School District 14 and Widefield School District 3 have additional voter-approved measures that increase total rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in El Paso 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 property taxes in El Paso County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date. The most common triggers include change of ownership (sale or transfer), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements to existing structures, and changes in property classification or use. When these events occur, the Assessor's Office recalculates the property's assessed value and applies a pro-rated tax for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in El Paso County on July 1st and the new assessed value is $50,000 higher than the previous assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December (6 months). The calculation would be: ($50,000 × 0.06765 assessment ratio × $0.765942 per $100) × (6 months ÷ 12 months) = approximately $129 in additional taxes. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days of the triggering event and become delinquent if not paid within 30 days of the bill date.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value: $300,000 × 6.765% = $20,295
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $20,295
  • Annual Tax: $20,295 × 0.765942% = $1,554
  • Monthly Payment: $1,554 ÷ 12 = $130

$600,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value: $600,000 × 6.765% = $40,590
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $40,590
  • Annual Tax: $40,590 × 0.765942% = $3,109
  • Monthly Payment: $3,109 ÷ 12 = $259

$1,000,000 Home:

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 6.765% = $67,650
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (standard residential)
  • Net Taxable Value: $67,650
  • Annual Tax: $67,650 × 0.765942% = $5,182
  • Monthly Payment: $5,182 ÷ 12 = $432

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most El Paso County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their lender. Your mortgage servicer estimates annual property tax obligations and collects monthly payments as part of your mortgage payment, then pays the county directly when taxes become due. El Paso County property taxes are typically due in two installments: the first half by the last day of February and the second half by June 15th, though you can pay the full amount with the first installment.

It's important to verify that your lender is paying the correct amount and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for property tax payments even when using escrow. The County Treasurer offers a convenient monthly prepayment program for property owners who want to spread their tax burden throughout the year. You can monitor your property tax payments, set up online payments, and access your tax history through the El Paso County Treasurer's website at https://treasurer.elpasoco.com/. If you're not using escrow, you'll receive tax statements directly from the Treasurer's Office and must ensure timely payment to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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

When are property taxes due in El Paso County? Property taxes are due in two installments: first half by the last day of February and second half by June 15th. You can pay the full year with the first installment if preferred.

What exemptions are available for homeowners? Colorado offers limited property tax exemptions. Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for specific exemptions. Contact the El Paso County Assessor's Office at https://assessor.elpasoco.com/ to determine your eligibility.

How often are properties reassessed? El Paso County reassesses all properties every two years for residential properties and annually for commercial properties, as required by Colorado state law.

How do I appeal my property assessment? Property owners can appeal their assessment by filing a protest with the El Paso County Board of Equalization between May 1st and June 8th. Forms and instructions are available on the Assessor's website.

What happens if I pay my property taxes late? Late payments incur interest and penalties. Interest begins accruing the day after the due date at a rate set by the state, currently around 9% annually.

Can I pay property taxes online? Yes, you can pay property taxes online, set up payment plans, and manage your account through the County Treasurer's website at https://treasurer.elpasoco.com/.

Why did my property taxes increase significantly in 2025? The temporary $55,000 residential value reduction that was applied in 2023 and 2024 has expired, meaning the full value of your property is now taxable again.

How do I look up my property information? You can search for property information, view assessments, and access tax history using the County Assessor's property search tool at https://assessor.elpasoco.com/Property-Search.

What if I disagree with my property's assessed value? You have the right to protest your assessment. The formal protest period runs from May 1st through June 8th each year. Contact the Assessor's Office for protest forms and procedures.

Are there payment plan options available? Yes, El Paso County offers a monthly prepayment program that allows you to spread your property tax payments throughout the year in manageable installments rather than paying large lump sums twice yearly.

Verified Sources

Backed by 5 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
El Paso County Tax Collectortreasurer.elpasoco.com
02
County
El Paso County Assessorassessor.elpasoco.com
03
Tax Doc
Business Personal Property Taxcontent.leg.colorado.gov
04
Tax Doc
Notice About 2025 Tax Rateselpasotexas.gov
05
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Coloradodpt.colorado.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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