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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hinsdale County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
55.300 mills total (varies by special districts serving your property)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hinsdale County, Colorado operates under the state's property tax system, which serves as the primary funding source for local government services, schools, fire protection, and various special districts. Property taxes in Hinsdale County fund essential services including the county government, Town of Lake City, Lake Fork Health Service District, Colorado River Water Conservation District, and Southwestern Water Conservation District. The effective tax rate is determined by combining mill levies from multiple taxing entities that serve your specific property location.

For the 2025 tax year, the total mill levy in Hinsdale County is 55.300 mills, though this rate varies depending on which special taxing districts serve your property. Colorado uses an assessment rate system where residential properties are assessed at 6.4% of actual value for 2025 (increasing to 6.95% for 2026 and beyond for local governmental entities). Your actual property tax bill depends on your property's assessed value, location within specific taxing districts, and any applicable tax credits for which you qualify and apply.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Taxing Entity2025 Mill LevyAssessment RateDescription
Hinsdale County14.8496.4%General county services and operations
Town of Lake City3.2856.4%Municipal services (applies only within city limits)
Lake Fork Health Service District5.926.4%Local health services
Colorado River Water Conservation District0.5026.4%Regional water management
Southwestern Water Conservation District0.3566.4%Water conservation programs

Total Combined Rate: 55.300 mills (varies by location)

These rates apply to the 2025 levy year. Properties within the Town of Lake City pay additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may have different special district combinations. The assessment rate for school district mill levies may differ from the rate applied to other local governmental entities beginning in 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hinsdale 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 Hinsdale County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. Under Colorado's property tax legislation, properties may have dual assessed values beginning in 2025 - one for school district levies and another for local governmental entities. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, multiplied by the applicable mill levy rate, and prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the change occurred.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July that increases your assessed value by $6,400 (at the 6.4% assessment rate), and your total mill levy is 55.300 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $177 ($6,400 × 0.055300 × 0.5 years remaining). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued separately from annual tax statements and have their own payment deadlines.

Example Calculation

Property Value: $300,000

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $19,200
  • Less: Senior Exemption (if qualified): -$0 to -$200,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $19,200
  • Annual Tax (55.300 mills): $1,062
  • Monthly Payment: $88

Property Value: $600,000

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $38,400
  • Less: Disabled Veteran Exemption (if qualified): Up to -$15,360 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $38,400
  • Annual Tax (55.300 mills): $2,123
  • Monthly Payment: $177

Property Value: $1,000,000

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $64,000
  • Less: Applicable Credits (requires application): Variable
  • Net Taxable Value: $64,000
  • Annual Tax (55.300 mills): $3,539
  • Monthly Payment: $295

Note: All exemptions and credits require separate applications and qualification verification. Rates shown are for illustrative purposes and may vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hinsdale County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes. Lenders collect monthly payments equal to approximately 1/12 of your annual property tax bill and pay the county directly when taxes become due on January 15. Since Colorado property tax statements are mailed in early January for the current year, lenders typically receive and pay these bills within the grace period. Property owners should verify that their lender has received the current tax statement and made timely payment.

If you pay property taxes independently without escrow, you are responsible for ensuring payment reaches the Hinsdale County Treasurer's Office by January 15 each year. The Treasurer's Office can be contacted at 970-944-2225 for payment verification and assistance. Online payment options may be available through the county's website, though you should confirm current payment methods directly with the 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 Hinsdale County? A: Property taxes are due annually by January 15. Tax statements are mailed in early January each year.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Available credits include Senior Property Tax Exemption, Disabled Veteran Exemption, and Gold Star Family Exemption. All credits require separate applications submitted to the County Assessor's office and must be renewed periodically.

Q: How does the Senior Property Tax Exemption work? A: The Senior Exemption can exempt up to 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value for qualifying seniors. This is a true exemption that reduces assessed value, not just a credit. Application is required and must be submitted to the County Assessor.

Q: What is the application deadline for property tax exemptions? A: Based on available information, applications have historically been due by July 15, though you should verify current deadlines with the County Assessor's office as they may vary by exemption type.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: Colorado conducts property reassessments every two years. The assessment schedule and appeal process details can be obtained from the County Assessor's office.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Contact the Hinsdale County Treasurer's Office at 970-944-2225 for current penalty and interest rates on late payments.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Online payment options may be available. Contact the Treasurer's Office at 970-944-2225 to confirm current payment methods and any associated fees.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Hinsdale County? A: Properties are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire protection, water conservation, municipal services). Your total mill levy depends on which districts serve your specific property location.

Q: How will the 2025 assessment rate changes affect my taxes? A: Beginning in 2025, residential properties have different assessment rates for school districts versus other local entities. The local governmental rate is 6.4% for 2025, increasing to 6.95% for 2026 and beyond.

Q: Where can I get applications for tax exemptions? A: Exemption applications are available from the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (for veteran exemptions) and the County Assessor's office (for other exemptions). Contact the Assessor's office for specific application requirements and current forms.

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