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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Gilpin County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.2% base rate, varies significantly by special taxing districts within county
Exemptions
3+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Gilpin County operates under Colorado's property tax system, where taxes fund essential local services including schools, emergency services, roads, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property multiplied by the applicable mill levy rates. The county's effective tax rate is approximately 0.2% for the 2025 tax year, though this represents a base rate that varies significantly by location within the county.

Your actual property tax bill will depend on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other local governmental entities. Each district sets its own mill levy, meaning properties in different areas of Gilpin County can have substantially different total tax rates. The county assessor determines property values, while various local governments set the mill levies that determine your final tax obligation.

Recent changes under Colorado Senate Bill 24-233 have created two different assessed values for residential properties beginning with the 2025 property tax year - one for school district mill levies and another for all other local governmental entities, with the assessment rate for local government entities reduced to 6.4%.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Fire ProtectionVariesEmergency and fire services
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Water/Sewer DistrictsVariesUtility infrastructure (if applicable)
Cemetery DistrictVariesCemetery maintenance (if applicable)

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025 and vary significantly by special taxing district boundaries within Gilpin County. Your specific rate depends on which districts serve your property location. Contact the Gilpin County Assessor at (303) 582-5214 for district-specific mill levy information.

Note: Under SB 24-233, residential properties now have split assessment rates - 6.4% for local government entities and a separate rate for school districts beginning in 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Gilpin 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 Gilpin County are additional tax bills issued when property undergoes significant changes during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, major improvements adding substantial value, or ownership transfers that remove existing exemptions or credits. The Colorado legislature's recent property tax reforms have also created supplemental billing situations as new assessment methodologies are implemented.

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

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July and it increases your assessed value by $6,400 (at 6.4% residential assessment rate), you would receive a supplemental bill for the additional taxes owed for the remaining months of that tax year. This ensures that all property owners pay their fair share based on their property's current value and status.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4% for local gov't): $19,200
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $6,400 (50% of first $200K = $100K × 6.4%)
  • Net Taxable Value: $12,800
  • Annual Tax (0.2% estimated rate): $600
  • Monthly Escrow: $50

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4% for local gov't): $38,400
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $6,400 (50% of first $200K)
  • Net Taxable Value: $32,000
  • Annual Tax (0.2% estimated rate): $1,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $100

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4% for local gov't): $64,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $6,400 (50% of first $200K)
  • Net Taxable Value: $57,600
  • Annual Tax (0.2% estimated rate): $1,728
  • Monthly Escrow: $144

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application by July 15. Rates vary by special taxing districts. School district taxes calculated separately under new assessment rules.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Gilpin County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, collecting monthly payments along with principal and interest. Your lender will analyze your annual tax bill and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment, typically adding a small buffer to ensure adequate funds are available when taxes are due.

Property taxes in Gilpin County follow Colorado's payment schedule: first half payment due February 28, full annual payment due April 30, or second half payment due June 15. Your mortgage company will typically pay the first half by the February deadline and the second half by the June deadline, using funds collected throughout the year in your escrow account.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement from your lender to ensure proper payment amounts. If your property taxes increase due to assessment changes or mill levy increases, your monthly escrow payment may need adjustment. You can verify that your lender is paying the correct amount by comparing their payments to your actual tax bill from the Gilpin County Treasurer's office.

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 Gilpin County for 2025? A: First half payment due February 28, 2025; full annual payment due April 30, 2025; second half payment due June 15, 2025.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Exemption is a tax credit that exempts 50% of the first $200,000 of your primary residence's actual value from taxation. You must apply annually by July 15 with the Gilpin County Assessor. Once approved, it continues automatically unless ownership changes.

Q: Are there property tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Yes, Colorado offers a Senior Homestead Exemption for qualifying seniors and disabled veterans may be eligible for additional credits. These require separate applications with specific income and eligibility requirements. Contact the Gilpin County Assessor at (303) 582-5214 for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Gilpin County? A: Colorado requires property reassessment every two years. Commercial properties are assessed annually, while residential properties follow the biennial schedule with interim adjustments for improvements or market changes.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges and penalties. Contact the Gilpin County Treasurer at (303) 582-5321 for current penalty rates and payment options.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Gilpin County offers online payment options through their official website. Check with the Treasurer's office for accepted payment methods and any associated processing fees.

Q: How do special districts affect my tax bill? A: Special districts like fire, library, and water districts each levy their own mill rates. Your total tax rate depends on which districts serve your specific property location within Gilpin County.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Gilpin County Board of Equalization during the protest period, typically in May and June. Contact the Assessor's office for specific deadlines and required forms.

Q: What's the difference between assessed value and actual value? A: Actual value is the market value of your property. Assessed value is the portion subject to taxation, calculated by multiplying actual value by the assessment rate (6.4% for residential properties under local government mill levies as of 2025).

Q: Do I need to reapply for exemptions every year? A: The Homestead Exemption requires annual application by July 15, though it may auto-renew in some cases. Other exemptions and credits have varying requirements - contact the Assessor's office to confirm application deadlines for your specific situation.

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