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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Rio Grande County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Varies by taxing district combination, approximately 1.2-1.8% of assessed value
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Rio Grande County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, county operations, fire protection, and various special districts. Located in south-central Colorado, the county encompasses communities like Del Norte, Monte Vista, Center, and South Fork, each served by different combinations of taxing entities that affect your total property tax bill.

For the 2025 tax year, Rio Grande County implements a dual assessment structure where residential properties have different assessed values for school district taxes (7.05% rate) versus other local government entities (6.25% rate). Property owners should expect their tax bills to increase approximately $270 on average for residential properties due to the expiration of temporary exemption legislation that previously reduced assessed values by $55,000. Your actual tax rate depends on your specific location within the county, as various special districts for fire protection, water, parks, and other services create different tax rate combinations across different areas.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
School Districts7.05%Applied to assessed value for K-12 education funding
Other Local Entities6.25%Applied to separate assessed value for county, fire, special districts
County General FundVariesBasic county services and operations
Fire Protection DistrictsVaries by districtEmergency services (rates vary by location)
Water/Sanitation DistrictsVaries by districtUtility services where applicable
Parks & RecreationVaries by districtCommunity facilities and programs
Library DistrictsVaries by districtPublic library services

Rates shown are for Levy Year 2025. Your total effective rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Contact the Rio Grande County Assessor's Office for your specific district combination and exact mill levy rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande County are additional property tax bills issued when there's a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or improvements that increase assessed value during the tax year. These taxes cover the difference between what was originally assessed and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in July that was previously under-assessed, or if you complete a home addition in September, the county will issue a supplemental tax bill calculating the additional tax owed from the date of change through the end of the tax year. The supplemental tax uses the same mill levy rates as your regular property tax bill but applies only to the increased assessed value and remaining time in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • School District Assessed Value (7.05%): $21,150
  • Other Entities Assessed Value (6.25%): $18,750
  • Less: Senior/Veteran Credit (if qualified, requires application): -$5,000
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $2,800-$3,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $235-$265

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • School District Assessed Value (7.05%): $42,300
  • Other Entities Assessed Value (6.25%): $37,500
  • Less: Homestead Credit (if qualified, requires application): Varies
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $5,600-$6,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $465-$535

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • School District Assessed Value (7.05%): $70,500
  • Other Entities Assessed Value (6.25%): $62,500
  • Less: Available Credits (requires application): Varies
  • Estimated Annual Tax: $9,300-$10,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $775-$885

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and have specific qualification requirements. Actual rates vary by special district location within Rio Grande County.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Rio Grande County require property tax escrow accounts, collecting 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly payment. Rio Grande County issues tax notices during the third week of January, and lenders typically pay both installments (due June 1 and November 17) directly from your escrow account.

Your lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis, usually in late fall, comparing collected funds with actual tax payments. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or mill levy changes, your monthly escrow payment will adjust accordingly. You can verify that your lender paid your taxes correctly by checking the Rio Grande County Treasurer's website or calling their office. If you pay taxes directly (without escrow), you're responsible for both the June 1 and November 17 payment deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Rio Grande County property taxes due for 2025? A: Property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by June 1, 2025, and second installment by November 17, 2025. The first installment is typically based on the previous year's tax amount.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The main credit is a $70,000 reduction in assessed value effective 2025, but this may require application. Senior citizens and disabled veterans may qualify for additional credits. All credits require separate applications with specific deadlines - contact the County Assessor's office for forms and requirements.

Q: How does the homestead credit work in Colorado? A: Colorado's homestead exemption can reduce assessed value for qualifying primary residences, but you must file an application with the County Assessor. This caps assessment increases rather than reducing market value, and applications are typically due by the assessment deadline.

Q: When does the county reassess properties? A: Colorado law requires annual property value assessments. Rio Grande County sends Notices of Value during the third week of January. You have 30 days from the notice date to appeal your assessed value if you believe it's incorrect.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Late payments incur interest charges, and unpaid balances as of September 30 are subject to advertising costs in the San Luis Valley Journal. Continued non-payment can eventually lead to tax lien sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Rio Grande County offers online property tax payment options through their Treasurer's website. You can also search real estate property information and payment history online.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase significantly in 2025? A: Temporary legislation that exempted $55,000 in value for residential properties expired after 2024. This results in an average increase of approximately $270 for residential property owners, plus any increases from property value changes or mill levy adjustments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your location within Rio Grande County determines which special districts (fire, water, parks, library) serve your property. Each district adds its own mill levy to your tax bill, so rates vary significantly based on your specific address and the services provided in your area.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
ASSESSOR | Rio Grande Countyriograndecounty.colorado.gov
02
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
03
Volume 5: Personal Property All Chapters | Assessors' Libraryarl.colorado.gov
04
County
Rio Grande County Treasurer & Public Trusteeriograndecounty.colorado.gov
05
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Colorado 2026. ...arapahoeco.gov
06
Tax Doc
SENIOR PROPERTY TAX HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION SHORT ...riograndecounty.colorado.gov
07
County
Rio Grande County Assessor | Colorado Department of Local ...dpt.colorado.gov
08
County
Social Services | Rio Grande County - Colorado.govriograndecounty.colorado.gov
09
County
2023 rio grande county property assessment studyspl.cde.state.co.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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