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Updated 2025 Tax Year

La Plata County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in La Plata 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
Varies by location due to multiple special districts - typically ranges from 15-35 mills depending on fire, library, and other district combinations
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

La Plata County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, fire protection, libraries, road maintenance, and county government operations. The property tax system operates on assessed values rather than market values, with residential properties assessed at 6.25% of actual value for local government mill levies as of the 2025 tax year. Due to recent legislative changes under SB 24-233, residential properties now have two separate assessed values - one for school district taxes and another for all other local governmental entities.

Property tax rates in La Plata County vary significantly by location within the county due to numerous special taxing districts including fire protection districts, library districts, water and sanitation districts, and metropolitan districts. The total effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 0.8% to 1.2% of market value, depending on your specific location and the special districts that serve your property. Property taxes are due annually by April 15th, and most tax credits and exemptions require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County GeneralVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district operations and bonds
Fire ProtectionVariesFire protection district services
Library DistrictVariesPoudre River Public Library District
Water/SanitationVariesSpecial water and sanitation districts
Regional TransportationVariesRegional transportation authority
Total Local Gov't Assessment Rate6.25%Assessment rate for local government mill levies (FY 2025)

Note: The 2025 tax year implements separate assessment rates under SB 24-233. School district mill levies use a different assessment rate than other local governmental entities. Individual mill levy rates vary by specific location within La Plata County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the La Plata County Assessor's office for your specific district combination and current mill levy rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in La Plata 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 La Plata County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the annual assessment date (typically January 1st). Common triggers include new construction completion, major renovations that increase property value, or change of ownership that removes existing tax limitations. When supplemental taxes are assessed, they represent the difference between what you currently pay and what the tax would be on the property's new assessed value.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition mid-year, the county assessor will calculate supplemental taxes based on the increased assessed value (6.25% of the addition's value for local government mill levies). If the addition increases your assessed value by $6,250, and your total mill levy rate is 50 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $312.50 for the remaining portion of the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (Local Gov't): $18,750 (6.25%)
  • Less: Senior/Disabled Veterans Credit: $0 (if applicable, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $18,750
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $937.50 (assuming 50 mills total)
  • Monthly Escrow: $78.13

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (Local Gov't): $37,500 (6.25%)
  • Less: Homestead Credit: Variable (caps assessment increases, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $37,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $1,875 (assuming 50 mills total)
  • Monthly Escrow: $156.25

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (Local Gov't): $62,500 (6.25%)
  • Less: Available Credits: Variable (requires applications)
  • Net Taxable Value: $62,500
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $3,125 (assuming 50 mills total)
  • Monthly Escrow: $260.42

Note: Mill levy rates vary significantly by location. These examples use an estimated combined rate for illustration purposes only.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in La Plata County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. The lender pays your property taxes directly to La Plata County when they become due on April 15th each year.

Lenders typically conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, which may result in escrow payment adjustments if your property taxes increase or decrease. You should receive a copy of your property tax bill even when paid through escrow, allowing you to verify the payment accuracy and understand any changes in your tax assessment. If you pay off your mortgage or reach sufficient equity, you may eliminate the escrow requirement and pay property taxes directly, but you'll need to budget for the annual April 15th due date and potential late penalties.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are La Plata County property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due annually by April 15th. The late filing penalty is $50 or 15% of the taxes due, whichever is less.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: Available tax credits include the Senior Citizen Exemption and Disabled Veteran exemption. All tax credits require separate applications and are NOT automatically applied. Senior Citizen Exemption applications must be submitted by July 15th annually.

Q: How does the Homestead credit work in Colorado? A: The homestead exemption in Colorado exempts 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value of a primary residence for qualifying properties. This is an exemption that reduces assessed value, and requires application - it is not automatic.

Q: When do new assessments take effect and how can I appeal? A: Property reassessments typically occur every two years. You can appeal your assessment through the La Plata County Board of Equalization if you believe your property is overvalued compared to similar properties.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payment penalty is $50 or 15% of taxes due, whichever is less. Interest and additional penalties may accrue on unpaid balances.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, La Plata County typically offers online payment options. Contact the County Treasurer's office for current online payment portal information and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why did my tax bill change significantly in 2025? A: SB 24-233 created separate assessment rates for school districts versus other local governments starting in 2025, which may result in different tax calculations than previous years.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax bill includes mill levies from all special districts serving your property (fire, library, water, etc.). These vary by location within the county, which is why neighboring properties may have different total tax rates.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Online Servicesco.laplata.co.us
02
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Coloradodpt.colorado.gov
03
Final Fiscal Noteleg.colorado.gov
04
the best information available (BIA) and itemco.laplata.co.us
05
Business Personal Propertyco.laplata.co.us
06
Tax Doc
Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemptionco.laplata.co.us
07
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionco.laplata.co.us
08
DWR_3148028 - Laserfiche WebLinkdnrweblink.state.co.us
09
Tax Doc
Property Tax Exemptionco.laplata.co.us
10
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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