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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Huerfano County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by district due to special taxing districts (schools, fire, library) - contact County Assessor for specific rate
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Huerfano County, Colorado operates under Colorado's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes in Huerfano County are based on the assessed value of your property, which is determined by the County Assessor and reassessed every two years for residential properties and annually for commercial properties.

The effective property tax rate in Huerfano County varies significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other local governmental entities. For the 2025 tax year, residential properties are assessed at 6.4% of actual value for most local government mill levies, with a separate assessment rate applied for school district taxes. Your actual tax rate depends on which special districts serve your specific property location, making it essential to understand your property's unique tax situation.

Colorado provides a $15,000 actual value exemption for residential properties, which is automatically applied to reduce your property's assessed value before taxes are calculated. However, most other tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically granted.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/LevyDescription
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictVariesLocal school district funding
Fire ProtectionVariesFire and emergency services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sanitation, or other local services
Estimated Total0.064%Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: The 0.064% rate represents the new residential assessment rate effective for the 2025 property tax year under recent Colorado legislative changes. Your actual total mill levy will vary based on your property's location within specific taxing districts in Huerfano County. Contact the Huerfano County Assessor's office for your property's specific mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Huerfano 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 Huerfano County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the annual assessment roll is finalized, a supplemental tax bill is issued to cover the additional tax obligation for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, then applying the appropriate mill levy rate for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in September, and your mill levy is 25 mills, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the increased assessed value (approximately $50,000 × 6.4% = $3,200 assessment increase × 0.025 mill rate = $80) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have their own payment due dates, typically 30 days from the date of issuance.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Residential Exemption: $15,000
  • Taxable Value: $285,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $18,240
  • Annual Tax (estimated 0.64% total mills): $117
  • Monthly Escrow: $10

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Residential Exemption: $15,000
  • Taxable Value: $585,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $37,440
  • Annual Tax (estimated 0.64% total mills): $240
  • Monthly Escrow: $20

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Residential Exemption: $15,000
  • Taxable Value: $985,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $63,040
  • Annual Tax (estimated 0.64% total mills): $404
  • Monthly Escrow: $34

Note: These calculations use estimated mill levies. Actual rates vary by specific taxing districts. Additional tax credits may be available but require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Huerfano County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and pays your property taxes directly to the county when due.

Lenders typically pay property taxes on the half-payment schedule (February 28th and June 15th) to avoid potential late fees. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from Huerfano County and should pay them before the due dates. However, property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid on time, even when using escrow accounts.

At least once annually, your lender will conduct an escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly, you may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly escrow payments. You can verify your tax payments and current balance by contacting your lender or checking your annual escrow statement.

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 Huerfano County for the current tax year? A: For fiscal year 2025-2026, you can pay in full by April 30th, or make half payments due February 28th and June 15th. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: Most tax credits require application and are not automatic. Contact the Huerfano County Assessor's office to inquire about available credits such as senior citizen, disabled veteran, or other qualifying credits. Applications typically have annual deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work in Colorado? A: Colorado's homestead exemption limits assessment increases rather than providing a credit. It caps the growth of your property's actual value used for tax purposes. You must file annually to receive this benefit - it is not automatic.

Q: How often is my property reassessed? A: Residential properties are reassessed every two years, while commercial properties are reassessed annually. The County Assessor determines market value based on recent sales, property characteristics, and market conditions.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. After the first half payment due date, interest accrues monthly. Prolonged non-payment can result in tax lien proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Contact the Huerfano County Treasurer's office to confirm current online payment options and accepted payment methods. Many Colorado counties offer online payment systems for convenience.

Q: Why do my taxes differ from my neighbor's on a similar home? A: Tax bills vary due to different assessed values, varying special district boundaries (fire, library, school districts), and different exemptions or credits applied to each property.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Huerfano County Assessor during the protest period, typically in May and June. You'll need evidence supporting your claim that the assessed value exceeds market value.

Q: What special districts might affect my property taxes? A: Common special districts in Huerfano County include school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and water/sanitation districts. Your specific property location determines which districts apply to your tax bill.

Q: How do I apply for senior or veteran tax credits? A: Contact the Huerfano County Assessor's office for specific applications and deadlines. Most credits require annual renewal and have income or other qualifying requirements that must be verified.

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