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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Elbert County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Elbert 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
Base county rate + variable district rates (varies significantly by location due to special taxing districts)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Elbert County, Colorado operates on an annual property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax bills calculated based on the assessed value of real property multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate.

The effective property tax rate in Elbert County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and metropolitan districts. While the base county rate provides a foundation, property owners may pay additional mills for services specific to their area. Tax bills are issued annually and can be paid in two installments (first half by February 28, second half by June 15) or in full by April 30.

Actual tax rates depend on which special districts serve your specific property location, making it important to understand that neighboring properties may have different total mill levies based on the combination of taxing authorities that provide services to each area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Base County LevyVariesGeneral county operations, roads, administration
School DistrictVaries by districtK-12 education funding, varies by school district boundaries
Fire ProtectionVaries by districtEmergency services, varies by fire district
Library DistrictVaries by districtPublic library services where applicable
Metropolitan DistrictsVaries by districtInfrastructure and services in specific developments
Total Mill Levy82.791 millsExample total rate for Levy Year 2025

Note: The total rate of 82.791 mills represents one example within Elbert County for the 2025 levy year. Your actual mill levy will depend on which combination of special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Elbert County Assessor's office to determine the specific mill levy applicable to your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Elbert 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 Elbert County are additional tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase the assessed value after the annual assessment date. These taxes are prorated based on the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurs.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: new construction completion, major renovations or improvements, changes in property use classification, or correction of assessment errors. The supplemental tax is calculated by applying the current year's mill levy to the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed and assessed in July, and the total mill levy is 80 mills, the supplemental tax would be approximately $400 (($100,000 ÷ 20) × 0.080) prorated for 6 months, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $200. Property owners receive separate billing for supplemental taxes with their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessment Rate (6.765%): $20,295
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Veteran Credit: $0 (if no application filed)
  • Net Taxable Value: $20,295
  • Annual Tax (82.791 mills): $1,680
  • Monthly Escrow: $140

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessment Rate (6.765%): $40,590
  • Less: Homestead Credit: $677 (requires application, limits growth)
  • Net Taxable Value: $39,913
  • Annual Tax (82.791 mills): $3,305
  • Monthly Escrow: $275

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessment Rate (6.765%): $67,650
  • Less: Available Credits: $677 (homestead only, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $66,973
  • Annual Tax (82.791 mills): $5,547
  • Monthly Escrow: $462

Note: Tax credits require annual application and are not automatically applied. Actual mill levies vary by location within Elbert County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Elbert County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically calculating 1/12th of the annual tax bill plus a small cushion for potential increases.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, usually in conjunction with your loan anniversary date. If taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Lenders typically pay property taxes directly to Elbert County before the February 28 and June 15 deadlines, choosing either the split payment method or paying in full by April 30.

Property owners should verify that their lender has made timely payments by checking with the Elbert County Treasurer's office, as ultimately the property owner remains responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when escrowed. You can monitor your escrow account balance and payments through your lender's online portal or monthly statements.

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 Elbert County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes can be paid in two installments (first half by February 28, second half by June 15) or in full by April 30. These dates apply to taxes assessed for the current levy year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Available tax credits include the Homestead Credit (caps assessment growth at 10% annually) and Senior/Disabled Veteran Credits (50% of first $200,000 value for qualifying seniors). All credits require annual application and are NOT automatically applied.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Homestead Credit limits annual assessment increases to 10% for primary residences. It does not reduce market value but caps the growth in assessed value year-over-year. You must file an application to receive this credit.

Q: When should I apply for property tax credits? A: Applications for most credits are typically due by July 15th of the assessment year. Contact the Elbert County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and application forms.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Colorado requires property reassessment every two years. The Elbert County Assessor conducts physical inspections and market analysis to determine current assessed values.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest charges, and unpaid taxes may result in tax lien certificates sold at public auction with interest rates up to 14% per annum.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Elbert County typically offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Contact the Treasurer's office for current online payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do property tax rates vary within Elbert County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (school, fire, library, metropolitan districts), each with their own mill levy, creating varying total tax rates throughout the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
county of elbertelbertcounty-co.gov
02
Tax Doc
Certification of Value for Taxing Authoritieselbertcounty-co.gov
03
Tax Doc
SB 24-233 - Property Tax - Demographic Note - Agenciescontent.leg.colorado.gov
04
County
Property Tax Information | Elbert County, COelbertcounty-co.gov
05
County
Treasurer | Elbert County, COelbertcounty-co.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tax Notice FAQelbertcounty-co.gov
07
Tax Doc
senior property tax homestead exemption short formelbertcounty-co.gov
08
County
Exemptions | Elbert County, COelbertcounty-co.gov
09
Tax Doc
Senior Property Tax Exemptionelbertcounty-co.gov
10
Illl trrrllllelbertcounty-co.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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