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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Las Animas County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Las Animas County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, libraries, county government operations, and various special districts. The county operates under Colorado's property tax system, where properties are assessed at different rates depending on their classification. For 2025, residential properties are assessed at 6.4% of actual value for most local government mill levies, while commercial and agricultural properties are assessed at 27% of actual value.

Property tax rates in Las Animas County vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing districts, including school districts, fire protection districts, library districts, and other special service areas. The total effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 1.2% to 2.5% of market value for residential properties, depending on which special districts serve your specific property location. Property owners should verify their exact mill levy with the Las Animas County Assessor's office, as rates can differ substantially between communities like Trinidad, Aguilar, and rural areas of the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVariesLocal school funding (varies by district)
Fire Protection DistrictsVariesEmergency services (location-dependent)
Library DistrictsVariesPublic library services
Special DistrictsVariesWater, sanitation, and other local services

Note: Mills are calculated per $1,000 of assessed value. Rates shown apply to levy year 2025 and vary significantly by property location within Las Animas County. Commercial and agricultural properties are assessed at 27% of actual value, while residential properties are assessed at 6.4% for most local government levies. Contact the Las Animas County Assessor at (719) 846-3314 for your specific property's total mill levy.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Las Animas 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 Las Animas 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, the county assessor calculates the difference between the old and new assessed values and applies the current mill levy to determine additional taxes owed.

For example, if you complete a $50,000 home addition in July and your residential assessment rate is 6.4%, the supplemental assessment would be $3,200 ($50,000 × 6.4%). If your total mill levy is 45 mills, your supplemental tax would be $144 ($3,200 × 0.045). Supplemental taxes are prorated based on the number of months remaining in the tax year and become due immediately upon billing.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $19,200
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,372 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $17,828
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $802
  • Monthly Escrow: $67

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $38,400
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,372 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $37,028
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $1,666
  • Monthly Escrow: $139

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (6.4%): $64,000
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$1,372 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $62,628
  • Annual Tax (45 mills): $2,818
  • Monthly Escrow: $235

Note: Mill levy assumed at 45 for illustration. Actual rates vary by location. All tax credits require separate application and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Las Animas County require property tax escrow accounts, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until taxes are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus a cushion amount allowed by federal law. Your lender will pay your property taxes directly to Las Animas County when they become due.

Property tax bills are mailed in January, with payment options of either full payment by April 30th or split payments due February 28th and June 15th. Lenders usually pay the first installment by February 28th and the second by June 15th. Your annual escrow analysis will show whether you have a shortage or surplus, and your monthly payment may be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Las Animas County Treasurer's office at (719) 846-3314.

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 Las Animas County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes may be paid in full by April 30th, or in two equal installments due February 28th and June 15th. Postmarks are accepted for timely payment.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: Las Animas County offers several tax credits that require separate applications, including the Senior Homestead Credit for qualifying homeowners age 65+, disabled veteran credits, and other exemptions. Contact the Assessor's office at (719) 846-3314 for applications and deadlines.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: The Senior Homestead Credit provides a 10% exemption on the first $70,000 of residential value and caps annual assessment increases. This credit requires annual application and is not automatic - you must file with the Assessor's office.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Colorado requires property reassessment every two years. Las Animas County follows the state schedule, with the most recent reassessment affecting 2025 tax bills.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Las Animas County Board of Equalization by June 8th following the assessment notice. Contact the Assessor's office for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. After June 15th, unpaid taxes begin accruing interest, and properties may eventually be subject to tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Contact the Las Animas County Treasurer's office at (719) 846-3314 to inquire about online payment options and accepted payment methods.

Q: Why do tax rates vary within Las Animas County? A: Different areas are served by different combinations of special districts (fire, library, water, etc.), school districts, and municipal services, creating varying total mill levies depending on your property's exact location.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Volume 5: Personal Property All Chapters | Assessors' Libraryarl.colorado.gov
02
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
03
Treasurerlasanimascounty.colorado.gov
04
Assessorlasanimascounty.colorado.gov
05
County
Las Animas County: Homelasanimascounty.colorado.gov
06
🏠🏠 What HB 24B-1001 Actually Does (2025–2027) 📌📌 ...lasanimascounty.colorado.gov
07
County
Bent County Treasurerdpt.colorado.gov
08
DOCUMENT #coloradosos.gov
09
Final Fiscal Noteleg.colorado.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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