Legislative Update – Colorado Property Tax Changes for 2026

by Amy Jewett Sampson

Today, we’re diving into the big changes coming to Colorado property taxes in 2026 — and what they mean for homeowners like you.

In a bipartisan move, Colorado lawmakers passed House Bill 24B-1001 during a special session to address rising property taxes. This legislation sets new permanent assessment rates and ends the temporary pandemic-era cuts that helped reduce tax bills in recent years. So, what’s changing?

Residential Property Tax Changes

Let’s break it down. For the 2026 property tax year — with taxes payable in 2027 — here are the key updates for residential properties:

Split Assessment Rates:

– 6.95% for school districts

– 6.8% for other local governments like cities, counties, and fire districts

Value Exclusion:

– Homeowners get a 10% value exclusion, capped at $70,000, before the local government rate is applied.

Effective Rate:

– Thanks to the exclusion, the effective rate for many homes will be closer to 6.4%, depending on property value.

What This Means for Homeowners

Even though this is part of a long-term tax reduction strategy, the new rates are higher than the temporary ones from 2024. So, if your property value hasn’t changed, you might still see a higher tax bill in 2027.

Why It Matters

This legislation aims to balance tax relief with funding for essential services like schools, fire departments, and local infrastructure. But it also means fewer tools for local governments to offer tax credits — which could limit future relief options.

Key Dates to Remember

January 1, 2026: Lien date
May 1, 2026: Notice of Valuation mailed
June 8, 2026: Appeal deadline
January 2027: Tax bills issued
February 28 & June 15, 2027: Installment due dates

Call to Action

If you’re a homeowner in Colorado, now’s the time to review your property’s valuation and understand how these changes could impact your budget. Got questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out — I’m here to help!

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this update with your neighbors. See you next week!

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