HonestCasa logoHonestCasa
All Tax Guides
Updated 2025 Tax Year

Montrose County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Calculate Your True CostMortgage Calculator
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by location and special districts within Montrose County (base rate plus district additions)
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Montrose County, Colorado operates under the state's property tax system, which funds essential local services including schools, emergency services, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value, which for residential properties is determined by applying an assessment rate to the actual (market) value of your property. For tax year 2025, residential properties are assessed at 7.96% of their actual value for local government taxing entities, while school districts use a different assessment structure under recent state legislation.

Your actual property tax rate depends on your specific location within Montrose County, as rates vary significantly based on the special taxing districts that serve your property. These may include fire protection districts, library districts, water and sanitation districts, and other special service areas. The combined mill levies from all applicable taxing entities determine your total property tax bill. Colorado's property tax system has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the state providing reimbursements to local governments for lost revenue in 2025 due to assessment rate reductions.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate/DetailsDescription
Residential Assessment Rate (Local Gov't)7.96%FY 2025 assessment rate for all local government entities
Residential Assessment Rate (Schools)VariesSeparate assessment structure for school district mill levies
Personal Property Assessment27%FY 2025 rate for business personal property
County General FundVaries by districtBasic county services and operations
School DistrictsVaries by districtLocal school funding and bond payments
Fire Protection DistrictsVaries by districtEmergency services (where applicable)
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library services (where applicable)
Special DistrictsVaries by locationWater, sanitation, parks, and other special services

Note: Actual mill levy rates vary by specific location within Montrose County based on which special taxing districts serve your property. Contact the Montrose County Assessor for your specific mill levy combination.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Montrose 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 Montrose County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction, or improvements completed after the January 1st assessment date. These taxes cover the period from when the change occurred until the end of the current tax year. Common triggers include purchasing a home, completing a major renovation, adding square footage, or subdividing property.

Supplemental taxes are calculated using the same mill levy rates that apply to your property, but only for the portion of the tax year after the triggering event. For example, if you purchase a home in July and the assessed value increases due to the ownership change, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through December. The calculation takes the difference between the old and new assessed values, applies the applicable tax rate, and prorates it for the remaining months in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Assessed Value (7.96%): $23,880
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $23,880
  • Annual Tax (estimated 35 mills): $835.80
  • Monthly Escrow: $69.65

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Assessed Value (7.96%): $47,760
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $47,760
  • Annual Tax (estimated 35 mills): $1,671.60
  • Monthly Escrow: $139.30

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Assessed Value (7.96%): $79,600
  • Less: Senior Homestead Credit (if applicable): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $79,600
  • Annual Tax (estimated 35 mills): $2,786.00
  • Monthly Escrow: $232.17

Note: Mill levy rates vary by location. Credits require separate application and are not automatic. The state homeowner exemption for 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value is handled separately and reimbursed by the state.

See How Taxes Affect Your Payment

Property taxes are just part of your total monthly cost. Get the full picture.

Calculate Now
Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Montrose County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments along with your mortgage payment and holds these funds to pay your property taxes when due. The monthly escrow amount is calculated by estimating your annual property tax bill and dividing by 12, often with a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Lenders typically pay property taxes on your behalf by the April 30th deadline (or February 28th for the first installment if paying in two parts). Your lender will receive the tax bill directly from Montrose County and handle the payment process. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing how your escrow funds were used and any adjustments needed for the coming year. If your property taxes increase significantly due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment may be adjusted accordingly. Property owners without escrow accounts are responsible for making payments directly to the Montrose County Treasurer by the statutory deadlines.

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 Montrose County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due in full by April 30th. Alternatively, you can split the payment with the first half due by February 28th and the second half due by April 30th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The main credit is the Senior Homestead Exemption for qualifying seniors and surviving spouses, which requires a separate application to the County Assessor. The state homeowner exemption (50% of first $200,000 actual value) is automatically applied. Most credits are NOT automatic and require annual or periodic application.

Q: How does the Homestead Credit work? A: Colorado's homestead credit limits the annual increase in assessed value for qualifying properties, typically capping growth at 10% per year. This does not reduce your market value but limits how much your assessed value can increase year-over-year. You must file an application to qualify.

Q: When does the county assess properties and how can I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in early May. You have 30 days from the postmark date to file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization if you disagree with the assessed value.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest and penalties accrue on unpaid taxes after the due dates. Contact the Montrose County Treasurer for current penalty rates and payment options for delinquent taxes.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Montrose County offers online payment options through their website. Note that delinquent taxes cannot be paid by credit card or e-check after August 18th.

Q: Why did my tax rate change from last year? A: Tax rates can change due to new mill levy elections, changes in special district boundaries, or state legislation like SB 24-233 which modified assessment rates for 2025. Your specific rate depends on all taxing entities that serve your property.

Q: What special districts might affect my property tax bill? A: Common special districts in Montrose County include fire protection districts, library districts, water and sanitation districts, and parks and recreation districts. Your specific combination depends on your property's location within the county.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
Chapter 1 - Applicable Property Tax Lawsarl.colorado.gov
02
FAQs • How is the value determined on my property?co.montrose.co.us
03
Tax Doc
FAQs • When are taxes due?co.montrose.co.us
04
Submitting Certified Paymentsco.montrose.co.us
05
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Colorado 2026. ...arapahoeco.gov
06
Tax Doc
Senior Property Tax Homestead Exemptionco.montrose.co.us
07
Tax Doc
LONG FORM: PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIORSco.montrose.co.us
08
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
09
Final Fiscal Noteleg.colorado.gov
10
County
2 0 2 0 montrosecounty propertyassessment studyspl.cde.state.co.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

See the Full Picture of Your Home Costs

Property taxes are just one piece of homeownership. HonestCasa helps you understand your total monthly cost and explore safe ways to access your home equity.

Total Monthly Cost

Mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA

Equity Growth

Track how your equity grows over time

Safe Equity Access

Options for projects or debt payoff

Run Your ScenarioTry Calculator

Free • No credit check • 2-minute estimate