Colorado · Property tax exemptions for seniors · Updated Oct 2026
Colorado property tax exemptions for seniors (2026)
Every statewide property tax break for older homeowners in Colorado that our guide lists: extra exemptions, freezes, deferrals and age-based credits. What each is worth, the starting age, the income limit, the deadline and how to apply.
Short answer
The main property tax break for seniors in Colorado is the Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption). 50% of the first $200,000 of your home's actual value is not taxed (up to $100,000 off the value).
50% of the first $200,000 of your home's actual value is not taxed (up to $100,000 off the value).
Who qualifies
You are 65 or older on January 1 of the year you apply, and you (or your spouse) have owned the home and lived in it as your primary residence for at least 10 straight years before January 1. A surviving spouse of someone who qualified, who has not remarried, may also apply (long form). No income limit.
How to apply
File the Senior Property Tax Exemption application with your county assessor by mail or in person. Use the Short Form if your ownership and occupancy are simple; use the Long Form if the home is in a trust or LLC, you had an allowed absence (hospital, nursing home, natural disaster, eminent domain), or you are a surviving spouse.
Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification (2025 and 2026)
Same benefit as the senior exemption: 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value is not taxed (not below $1,000 assessed value). Available only for tax years 2025 and 2026.
Who qualifies
You (or your spouse) got the senior exemption at a previous home in 2020 or later, lost it because you moved, and now own and live in a new primary residence on January 1. A surviving spouse who has not remarried may qualify. No income limit.
How to apply
File the Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification application with the assessor of the county where your new home is, by mail or in person.
January 1 to March 15 of the tax year. Late applications until July 15, without appeal rights.
Renewal
Covers tax years 2025 and 2026 only. A bill to make it permanent (HB25-1156) failed in 2025 ('Lost'), so as of October 2026 there is no 2027 classification unless new law passes.
Law
SB 24-111; C.R.S. 39-1-104 (qualified-senior primary residence real property)
Property Tax Deferral (seniors 65+ and active military)
Lets you put off paying the property taxes on your home. It is a deferral (the taxes must be repaid later), not an exemption.
Who qualifies
Colorado residents 65 or older, and people called into active military service, for their residence.
How to apply
Get the application from your county treasurer (per the Division of Property Taxation). Contact the county treasurer for interest, equity and repayment rules.
Deadline
January 1 to April 1 each year (Division of Property Taxation FAQ).
File the Senior Property Tax Exemption application with your county assessor by mail or in person.
Use the Short Form if your ownership and occupancy are simple; use the Long Form if the home is in a trust or LLC, you had an allowed absence (hospital, nursing home, natural disaster, eminent domain), or you are a surviving spouse.
Deadline: January 1 to March 15 of the tax year. Late applications until July 15, without appeal rights.
Renewal: Covers tax years 2025 and 2026 only. A bill to make it permanent (HB25-1156) failed in 2025 ('Lost'), so as of October 2026 there is no 2027 classification unless new law passes.
Get the application from your county treasurer (per the Division of Property Taxation).
Contact the county treasurer for interest, equity and repayment rules.
Deadline: January 1 to April 1 each year (Division of Property Taxation FAQ).
Renewal: Every year.
Savings estimate for Colorado
Roughly what an exemption could save you a year: the value it takes off, times your tax rate.
Eligibility finder for Colorado
Answer a few questions to see which property tax breaks may fit you. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.
Pre-set for seniors: you own and live in the home, age 65. Change any answer to your own.
Document checklist for Colorado
Pick the breaks you plan to apply for. You get a checklist of forms, documents, steps and deadlines to print or keep on your phone.
Questions about seniors property tax breaks in Colorado
Who qualifies for property tax breaks for seniors in Colorado?
Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption): You are 65 or older on January 1 of the year you apply, and you (or your spouse) have owned the home and lived in it as your primary residence for at least 10 straight years before January 1. A surviving spouse of someone who qualified, who has not remarried, may also apply (long form). Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification (2025 and 2026): You (or your spouse) got the senior exemption at a previous home in 2020 or later, lost it because you moved, and now own and live in a new primary residence on January 1. A surviving spouse who has not remarried may qualify. Property Tax Deferral (seniors 65+ and active military): Colorado residents 65 or older, and people called into active military service, for their residence.
Is there an income limit for seniors' property tax breaks in Colorado?
Our sources list no income limit for any of these breaks.
When is the deadline for seniors to apply in Colorado?
Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption): January 1 to July 15 of the tax year. Late applications accepted until August 15, but you lose appeal rights if denied. Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification (2025 and 2026): January 1 to March 15 of the tax year. Late applications until July 15, without appeal rights. Property Tax Deferral (seniors 65+ and active military): January 1 to April 1 each year (Division of Property Taxation FAQ).
Do seniors have to reapply every year in Colorado?
Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption): One-time. Reapply within 60 days if your ownership, occupancy or who lives in the home changes. Qualified Senior Primary Residence Classification (2025 and 2026): Covers tax years 2025 and 2026 only. A bill to make it permanent (HB25-1156) failed in 2025 ('Lost'), so as of October 2026 there is no 2027 classification unless new law passes. Property Tax Deferral (seniors 65+ and active military): Every year.
Where do seniors apply for property tax breaks in Colorado?
Your county assessor approves the senior, disabled veteran and Gold Star exemptions and the senior primary residence classification. You apply to the assessor of the county where the home is; the Division of Property Taxation (Department of Local Affairs) sets the forms. For the Senior Property Tax Exemption (Senior Homestead Exemption): File the Senior Property Tax Exemption application with your county assessor by mail or in person.