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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Summit County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Summit 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 around 1% base rate plus special districts - rates differ significantly by taxing districts
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Summit County's property tax system funds essential local services including schools, fire protection, library services, and county operations. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for these services, with tax bills reflecting contributions to multiple taxing districts within your specific location. The county follows Colorado's biennial assessment cycle, with property values reassessed every two years - the current assessment cycle covers 2025-2026.

Effective property tax rates in Summit County vary significantly by location due to the numerous special taxing districts serving different areas. While the statewide average hovers around 1%, Summit County rates can differ based on your property's inclusion in school districts, fire districts, library districts, and other special service areas. Colorado's unique assessment system applies different rates to residential versus non-residential properties, with residential properties receiving more favorable treatment through lower assessment rates and potential credits that require application.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
School District Assessment7.05%Assessment rate for school district mill levies (FY 2025-2026)
Local Government Assessment6.25%Assessment rate for all other local government mill levies (FY 2025-2026)
Total Local Government Mill Rate37.633 millsCombined mill levy for local government services (0.037633)
Non-Residential Assessment27.0%Assessment rate for commercial/industrial properties

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on the specific combination of taxing districts serving your property location. Special districts for fire protection, library services, water/sanitation, and metropolitan districts create variations in total mill levies across different areas within Summit County.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Summit 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 Summit County occur when property values change mid-assessment cycle due to new construction, major improvements, or ownership transfers that trigger reassessment. Colorado's assessment system creates two separate assessed values for residential properties beginning in 2025 - one for school district taxes and another for local government taxes. When improvements are completed or major value changes occur, supplemental assessments calculate the difference between the new assessed value and the original assessed value, prorated for the remaining portion of the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in September 2025, the county assessor will determine the added value and apply the appropriate assessment rates. The supplemental tax would be calculated on the additional assessed value (using both the 7.05% school rate and 6.25% local government rate) multiplied by applicable mill levies, then prorated for the months remaining in the tax year.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • School District Assessed Value: $300,000 × 7.05% = $21,150
  • Local Government Assessed Value: $300,000 × 6.25% = $18,750
  • Annual Tax (Local Gov): $18,750 × 0.037633 = $706
  • Annual Tax (Schools): $21,150 × [School Mill Rate]
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: $75-$100 (varies by district)

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Senior Homestead Credit

  • Base School Assessed: $600,000 × 7.05% = $42,300
  • Base Local Gov Assessed: $600,000 × 6.25% = $37,500
  • With Senior Credit (requires application): Reduced by qualifying amount
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: $200-$275 (after credits, varies by district)

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • School District Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 7.05% = $70,500
  • Local Government Assessed Value: $1,000,000 × 6.25% = $62,500
  • Annual Tax (Local Gov): $62,500 × 0.037633 = $2,352
  • Estimated Monthly Escrow: $400-$550 (varies significantly by special districts)

Note: All tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts for Summit County properties. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill, plus insurance premiums. Since Summit County offers multiple payment options (full payment by April 30th, or split payments February 28th and June 15th), lenders typically choose the payment schedule that best matches their escrow disbursement timing.

Your lender will receive tax bills directly from Summit County and make payments on your behalf from your escrow account. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and you'll receive a statement showing whether you have a shortage or surplus. Given Summit County's biennial assessment cycle, expect potential escrow adjustments every two years when new assessed values take effect. You can verify your property tax payments and amounts through the Summit County Treasurer's online portal, even when paid through escrow.

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: What are the property tax due dates for the current fiscal year? A: For FY 2025-2026, first half payments are due February 28, 2026, and second half payments are due June 15, 2026. If paying in full, the deadline is April 30, 2026. Personal property declarations are due April 15th.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require applications? A: The primary residential credit is the senior homestead exemption, which exempts 50% of the first $200,000 in actual value for qualifying seniors. This credit requires a separate application and is NOT automatically applied. Contact the Summit County Assessor for application forms and deadlines.

Q: How does the homestead credit work? A: Colorado's homestead credit limits assessment increases rather than reducing market value. It caps the growth in assessed value for qualifying properties, helping long-term residents manage tax increases. You must file an application to receive this benefit - it's not automatic.

Q: When are properties reassessed? A: Summit County follows Colorado's biennial assessment cycle. Properties are currently valued for the 2025-2026 cycle. The next reassessment will occur for the 2027-2028 cycle, with values determined as of the assessment date.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Summit County Board of Equalization during the designated appeal period, typically May through June of assessment years. Contact the Summit County Assessor's office for specific deadlines and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur interest and penalties. Contact the Summit County Treasurer's office for specific penalty rates and fee structures for the current tax year.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Summit County offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do my taxes vary from my neighbor's if we have similar home values? A: Different areas within Summit County are served by different combinations of special taxing districts (fire, library, metropolitan districts, etc.). Your specific location determines which districts' mill levies apply to your property, creating variations in total tax rates even for similar property values.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Reappraisal Informationsummitcountyco.gov
02
Tax Doc
Taxing Authoritiessummitcountyco.gov
03
Tax Doc
Understanding Property Taxes in Colorado 2025-2027summitcountyco.gov
04
FAQssummitcountyco.gov
05
Important News from the Assessor's Officesummitcountyco.gov
06
Real Property Valuationsummitcountyco.gov
07
Tax Doc
SENIOR PROPERTY TAX HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION ...summitcountyco.gov
08
Senior 65+ Exemptionssummitcountyco.gov
09
HB 24B-1001 - Final Fiscal Notecontent.leg.colorado.gov
10
FAQssummitcountyco.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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