The median home price in the Denver metro area sits around $590,000 this year. Buyers budgeting for a purchase should look beyond the monthly mortgage principal and interest to understand the full cost of ownership. Factoring in local tax rates ensures your monthly budget remains accurate.

Local tax rates play a major role in your final monthly payment. Understanding how Property Taxes, Denver, CO are assessed and billed will help you avoid unexpected expenses after closing.

How the Local Property Tax System Works

Denver operates under a consolidated city and county government structure. This setup simplifies the billing process for residents, as you receive a single combined statement rather than separate bills from different municipal entities.

The county determines your bill using a mill levy system. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value.

The revenue generated funds specific local services across the metro area. A large portion goes directly to Denver Public Schools. The remaining funds support city operations, infrastructure, and various special districts.

Calculating Your Annual Tax Bill

The state dictates a three-step formula to calculate your final bill. You multiply your home’s market value by the state residential assessment rate, and then multiply that figure by the local mill levy.

The State of Colorado sets the residential assessment rate, which updates based on legislative action. For 2026, the rate sits between 6.7% and 6.95% depending on specific local district structures.

We can apply this formula to a median-priced single-family home valued at $590,000. Here is how the math breaks down:

• Step 1: Multiply the $590,000 market value by an estimated 6.7% assessment rate to get an assessed value of $39,530.
• Step 2: Apply a hypothetical mill levy of 75 mills (0.075).
• Step 3: The total estimated tax due would be $2,964.75 for the year.

A townhome or condominium follows the exact same calculation process. A $400,000 condo with the same assessment rate and mill levy would generate an annual tax bill of around $2,010.

The Reassessment Cycle and Filing an Appeal

Colorado reassesses real estate values every odd-numbered year. Because 2026 is an intervening year, assessed values generally remain flat unless you completed major permitted renovations.

The current 2026 values are based on historical market data from the period ending June 30, 2024. The county assessor mails Notices of Valuation to homeowners by May 1 of each year. This document outlines your home’s assessed value for the current cycle.

Homeowners have the right to appeal their valuation if they find errors in the property record or locate comparable sales that justify a lower amount. Intervening year appeals must typically be filed between May 1 and early June.

Factors That Influence Your Home’s Valuation

Assessors look at measurable physical features when determining a home’s market value. Total square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the overall condition of the structure all factor into the calculation. Finished basements or newly added garages will also increase the final assessment.

Geographic location plays an equally large role in the final number. Homes located near major municipal amenities like Washington Park and City Park often carry higher assessed values due to sustained market demand.

Proximity to infrastructure also impacts the data used by the assessor. The home’s placement within specific Denver Public Schools boundaries and its distance from RTD light rail stations directly influence comparable sales figures.

State Tax Relief Programs and Exemptions

Colorado mandates several tax relief programs to reduce the financial burden for qualified residents. The Senior Citizen Exemption removes 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value from taxation.

Applicants for the senior program must be 65 or older and have owned and occupied the home as their primary residence for 10 consecutive years. The deadline to apply for this specific exemption is July 15, 2026.

The Disabled Veteran Exemption offers the same financial reduction for eligible military personnel. It requires a 100% permanent disability or individual unemployability status.

The state also offers the Colorado Property Tax Deferral Program. This functions as a low-interest loan that allows seniors and active military personnel to defer payment until the property is sold or the title transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Property Taxes, Denver, CO due?

Homeowners have two payment options for their annual bill. You can pay in two equal halves by February 28 and June 15, or you can make a single full payment by April 30.

Why did my tax bill increase if 2026 is an intervening year?

Even though property values are not broadly reassessed in even years, legislative changes can alter the final math. The expiration of temporary flat-dollar relief measures or slight adjustments to the residential assessment rate can cause your total bill to rise.

How do I pay my Property Taxes, Denver, CO?

Most buyers wrap their taxes into their monthly mortgage payment through an escrow account, meaning the lender pays the county directly. If you pay on your own, the city accepts online payments, mailed checks, or in-person drop-offs.