Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption: How to Apply in 2026

Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption: How to Apply in 2026

Colorado's senior homestead property tax exemption is one of the more straightforward senior benefits in the country. If you meet the age and residency requirements, you get a significant reduction in your assessed value with no income test. Here's everything you need to know about qualifying and applying in 2026.

How the Colorado Senior Exemption Works

The exemption reduces the actual (market) value of your home used for property tax calculations by 50% of the first $200,000. In practical terms:

Home Value	Exemption Amount	Taxable Actual Value
$200,000 or less	50% of actual value	50% of actual value
$300,000	$100,000 (50% of first $200,000)	$200,000
$500,000	$100,000 (50% of first $200,000)	$400,000
$800,000	$100,000 (50% of first $200,000)	$700,000

Colorado uses an assessment rate to convert actual value to assessed value. For residential property, the assessment rate is currently 6.7% (it changes periodically based on legislation). So a $100,000 reduction in actual value means a $6,700 reduction in assessed value, which translates to roughly $500-$900 in annual tax savings depending on your local mill levy.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the senior property tax exemption in Colorado, you must meet all of the following:

• Age: 65 years or older on January 1 of the application year
• Residency: Have owned and occupied the property as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1
• Property type: The property must be your primary residence (single-family home, condo, townhome, or manufactured home on land you own)

No Income Test

Unlike many states, Colorado's senior property tax exemption has no income limit. Whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000, you qualify as long as you meet the age and residency requirements.

Surviving Spouse

If a qualifying senior dies, the surviving spouse (age 55 or older) can continue the exemption on the same property. The surviving spouse must have been listed on the original application or must apply separately.

How to Apply

First-Time Application

1. Contact your county assessor's office or visit their website
2. Obtain the Senior Homestead Exemption application form
3. Complete the form with your name, property address, date of birth, and length of occupancy
4. Submit by July 15 of the tax year you're applying for
5. Provide proof of age (driver's license, birth certificate, or passport)

Renewal

Once approved, the exemption auto-renews each year as long as you continue to meet the requirements. You don't need to reapply annually. If your circumstances change (you move, sell, or stop occupying the home), you must notify the county assessor.

Colorado Property Tax Basics

Understanding how Colorado calculates property taxes helps you see the full impact of the exemption:

Step	Example ($400,000 home)
Actual (Market) Value	$400,000
Senior Exemption	-$100,000
Adjusted Actual Value	$300,000
Assessment Rate (6.7%)	$20,100 (assessed value)
Mill Levy (example: 80 mills)	$1,608 annual tax
Without exemption	$400,000 x 6.7% x 80 mills = $2,144
Annual savings	$536

In areas with higher mill levies (Denver, Boulder, some mountain communities), the savings are proportionally larger.

Colorado Reassessment Cycle

Colorado reassesses all property every two years (odd-numbered years). The most recent reassessment was for 2025, with values based on market data from the prior 18-month study period. The next reassessment will be in 2027.

If you believe your property was over-valued during a reassessment, you can appeal to your county assessor, then to the county Board of Equalization, and then to the state Board of Assessment Appeals. The appeal deadline is typically June 1 of the reassessment year (check your county for exact dates).

Other Colorado Exemptions and Programs

Program	Details
Disabled Veteran Exemption	50% of first $200,000 (same as senior exemption) for veterans with 100% permanent disability
Property Tax Deferral	Seniors 65+ or active military can defer property taxes. Lien placed on property; taxes paid when sold.
Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC)	State income tax credit for low-income seniors, disabled persons. Provides rebate of property taxes or rent.

Effective Tax Rates by Colorado County

County	Effective Tax Rate	Median Home Value
Denver	0.55%	$560,000
El Paso (Colorado Springs)	0.52%	$420,000
Arapahoe	0.50%	$480,000
Jefferson	0.55%	$510,000
Adams	0.58%	$430,000
Douglas	0.48%	$600,000
Boulder	0.58%	$680,000
Larimer (Fort Collins)	0.55%	$500,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I've only owned my home for 8 years?

You must wait until you've completed 10 consecutive years of ownership and occupancy. There are no exceptions to the 10-year requirement.

Can I get the exemption on a rental property?

No. The property must be your primary residence. If you rent out the property (even partially), you may lose the exemption. A home office or occasional Airbnb use may be acceptable; check with your county assessor.

Does the exemption apply to both the land and the building?

Yes. The $200,000 threshold applies to the total actual value of the property, including land and improvements.

What if my spouse is 65 but I'm not?

Only one owner needs to be 65 or older and meet the 10-year residency requirement. The exemption applies to the property, not to each individual owner.

Can I also appeal my assessed value?

Yes. The exemption and the appeal are separate processes. If your actual value is too high, appeal it through your county assessor. Then the senior exemption applies on top of whatever reduced value you receive. For general appeal strategies, see our DIY appeal guide.