How to Apply for Colorado's Seniors-Only Property Tax Exemption

Rising property taxes can create financial strain for Colorado seniors, even after years of homeownership. The Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption offers relief, reducing tax burdens for qualifying individuals by exempting 50% of the first $200,000 of a home’s assessed value.

This exemption isn’t just a small benefit—it can mean thousands of dollars in savings each year. For seniors living on fixed incomes, tax relief can help preserve financial stability and allow them to remain in their homes longer.

Additionally, the exemption extends to surviving spouses and 100% disabled veterans, ensuring broader support for those who need it most.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Who qualifies for the exemption
How to apply and key deadlines
What to do if your application is denied
Common mistakes to avoid

By the end, you’ll know how to successfully apply and secure long-term tax savings.

What is the Senior Property Tax Exemption?

The Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption is a valuable benefit designed to reduce property tax burdens for eligible senior homeowners. This exemption applies to primary residences and offers significant savings by reducing the taxable value of the home.

Key Benefits of the Exemption

50% exemption on the first $200,000 of a home’s assessed value
State-funded reimbursement ensures that local governments do not lose tax revenue
Available to seniors, surviving spouses, and 100% disabled veterans

How It Works

Home’s Assessed Value	Exempt Amount (50%)	Taxed Amount
$200,000 or more	$100,000	Remaining Value
$150,000	$75,000	$75,000
$100,000	$50,000	$50,000

This exemption can lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in annual savings, helping seniors maintain financial security while remaining in their homes.

Who Qualifies for the Exemption?

To be eligible for Colorado’s Senior Property Tax Exemption, homeowners must meet specific age, residency, and ownership requirements. The exemption also extends to certain surviving spouses and disabled veterans, ensuring that those most in need receive tax relief.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the exemption, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement: Must be 65 years or older by January 1 of the application year.
Residency Requirement: Must have lived in the same home for at least 10 consecutive years as their primary residence.
Ownership Requirement: The applicant or their spouse must be the legal owner of the property.

Who Else Qualifies?

Eligible Group	Requirements
Surviving Spouses	Must have been legally married to a qualifying senior at the time of their passing and must not have remarried.
100% Disabled Veterans	Must have a service-related disability as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Gold Star Surviving Spouses	Spouses of military service members killed in action may qualify under similar guidelines.

Exceptions to Eligibility Rules

Some applicants may still qualify even if they do not meet the standard requirements.

Trust-Owned Homes: If a revocable trust owns the home for estate planning, the exemption may still apply.
Medical or Assisted Living Stays: Seniors who have temporarily moved to a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility can retain eligibility if they intend to return home.
Government Acquisition or Natural Disasters: If a prior home was lost due to eminent domain (government acquisition) or natural disasters, the homeowner may still be eligible.

Understanding these requirements ensures that qualified applicants do not miss out on this important tax benefit.

How to Apply for the Exemption

Applying for the Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps and meet all deadlines to ensure approval.

Application Process

To apply, you must submit a completed form to your local county assessor’s office. Each county manages its own applications, so it’s essential to use the correct form for your location.

Types of Application Forms

Which Form?	Who Should Use It?	Purpose
Short Form	Most applicants	Used when all basic eligibility requirements are met
Long Form	Surviving spouses or those with special circumstances	Required when applying under exceptions (e.g., trust ownership, medical stays)

You can obtain the application:

In-person at your county assessor’s office
By mail (request from your county office)
Online through county websites

Once completed, submit the form directly to the county assessor for processing.

Application Deadlines

To qualify for the exemption in a given tax year, applications must be submitted by July 15.

If you miss the deadline, a late application may be accepted until August 15, but late applicants lose appeal rights if denied.
The exemption will apply to next year’s property taxes once approved.

Application Deadline	Outcome
July 15	On-time, eligible for appeal if denied
August 15	Late filing, no appeal rights
After August 15	Not accepted, must wait until next year

How Often Do You Need to Apply?

Most homeowners only need to apply once. Once approved, the exemption automatically renews each year unless:

The home is sold or ownership changes
The homeowner moves out or changes primary residence
The senior passes away, requiring a surviving spouse to reapply

Staying informed about eligibility updates and county requirements ensures continued tax savings without interruption.

What Happens After Applying?

Once you submit your Senior Property Tax Exemption application, the county assessor’s office will review your eligibility and process your request. Understanding what happens next can help you stay informed and prepared in case of any issues.

County Assessor’s Review Process

After receiving your application, the county assessor will verify:

Your age and residency requirements
Your ownership status for at least 10 consecutive years
Whether you are claiming the exemption on your primary residence

If your application meets all requirements, the exemption will be approved and automatically applied to next year’s property taxes.

Denials and Notifications

If your application is denied, the assessor must send you a written notice by August 1, explaining the reason for denial.

Appeal Process for Denied Applications

If you receive a denial, you have the right to appeal, but you must act quickly.

Key Appeal Deadlines

Action	Deadline
Denial notice sent by assessor	August 1
Appeal submission deadline	August 15
Hearing before County Board of Equalization	Between August 1 – September 1

To appeal:

Submit a written appeal to your County Board of Equalization by August 15.
Attend a hearing between August 1 – September 1 to present your case.

The Board’s final decision is not appealable, so ensure all required documents are submitted correctly.

Common Issues and Pitfalls to Avoid

Applying for the Senior Property Tax Exemption is a simple process, but common mistakes can lead to denials, delays, or even penalties.

Mistakes That Can Lead to Denial

Many applications are rejected due to avoidable errors, such as:

Applying for multiple exemptions – Homeowners may only claim the exemption for one property, which must be their primary residence.
Providing false or incorrect information – Any misrepresentation of age, residency, or ownership can result in automatic denial.
Failing to report changes in ownership – If you sell your home, move, or transfer ownership, you must inform the county assessor within 60 days to avoid disqualification.

Consequences of Filing Errors

Errors in your application can lead to serious consequences, including:

Mistake	Potential Consequence
Applying for multiple properties	Exemption denial on all properties
Providing false information	Fines or legal penalties
Not reporting ownership changes	Loss of exemption benefits

To avoid these issues, double-check your application and ensure all information is accurate and up to date. Taking the time to apply correctly will protect your tax savings and prevent unnecessary complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who qualifies for the senior property tax exemption in Colorado?

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Be 65 years or older by January 1 of the application year.
Have owned and lived in the same home as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years.
Own the home in your name or in a qualifying trust.
Certain surviving spouses and disabled veterans also qualify.

Do I need to apply every year?

No, this is a one-time application. Once approved, the exemption automatically renews unless there is a change in ownership or primary residence.

Can I transfer the exemption to a new home?

No, the exemption does not transfer to a new property. If you sell your home and move, you must reapply once you meet the 10-year residency requirement again.

What if I miss the application deadline?

Standard deadline: July 15
Late applications: Accepted until August 15 (no appeal rights)
If you miss both deadlines, you must wait until the next year to apply.

How do I appeal a denied exemption?

Submit an appeal to the County Board of Equalization by August 15.
Attend a hearing between August 1 and September 1 to present your case.
The Board’s decision is final and cannot be further appealed.

Can surviving spouses qualify for the exemption?

Yes, if they:

Were legally married to a qualifying senior at the time of death.
Have not remarried.
Continue to reside in the same home.

Does the exemption apply to mobile homes?

Yes, but only if the mobile home is permanently affixed to the land and classified as real property.

Apply for the Exemption Today!

Don’t miss out on valuable property tax savings—apply for the Colorado Senior Property Tax Exemption before the July 15 deadline! If you qualify, this exemption can reduce your taxable home value and help lower your annual property tax bill.

How to Get Started

Check your eligibility based on age, residency, and ownership requirements.
Complete the correct application form (Short Form for most applicants, Long Form for exceptions).
Submit your application to your county assessor’s office before the deadline.

For more details and to apply, visit the Boulder County Assessor’s Office website or call them at 303-441-3530.

Apply today and start saving on your property taxes!