For Life After 50

Senior Property Tax Exemption Program funding is reviewed annually by the Colorado General Assembly.  If the program is not funded, but you meet the qualifications, you are encouraged to apply and be placed in the system for future funding.

If you applied and received notification of approval previously, there is no need to reapply – you will remain on the approval list. If approved and additional information is needed, our office will contact you. In November 2000, Colorado voters amended the State Constitution with the adoption of a property tax reduction (also known as the Senior Homestead Exemption Act.) Specifically, this grants exemption up to 50 percent of the first $200,000 in actual value on residential property, resulting in substantial savings in property taxes to qualifying seniors.

In order to qualify, the following criteria must be met:

• The qualifying senior must be at least 65 years of age or older, as of January 1st in the year of application; and
• Must be the “Owner of Record” of the property for at least 10 consecutive years as of January 1st in the year of application; and
• Must occupy the property as the primary residence for 10 consecutive years prior to January 1st in the year of application.

To receive the reduction, the senior taxpayer must have applied and been approved prior to the year the exemption is effective. If you meet the above criteria, or are the surviving spouse of a senior who would have qualified, please contact the El Paso County Officer of the County Assessor at 719-520-6600 to obtain additional information or to receive an application.

Disabled veteran tax exemption program application deadline is July 2

In November 2006, voters enacted an amendment to the Colorado Constitution adopting a property tax reduction (also known as the Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption.) Specifically, this grants exemption up to 50 percent of the first $200,000 in actual value on residential property, resulting in substantial savings in property taxes to qualifying disabled veterans in Colorado.

In order to qualify, the following criteria must be met:

• The qualifying veteran sustained a service-connected disability while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. This includes members of the National Guard and Reserves who sustained their injury during a period in which they were called to active duty; and
• The veteran was honorably discharged; and
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has rated the veteran’s service-connected disability as 100 percent permanent and total; and
• The veteran must be the “Owner of Record” and occupy the property as his or her primary residence prior to Jan. 1 of the year of application.
• The exemption is available to surviving spouses of disabled veterans who had the disabled veteran exemption and who passed away prior to Jan. 1 of the current year. The property must be owner occupied and used as the primary residence of an owner-occupier who is the surviving spouse of a qualifying disabled veteran.

The application deadline for 2017 is July 2. The application is available from the Division of Veterans Affairs or the county assessor of the county in which the property is located, and must be returned to the Colorado Department of Military & Veteran’s Affairs. Application forms may be obtained by visiting the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs website, at http://www.colorado.gov/vets and go to the “State Services” tab and select “Property Tax.”

You may also receive an application by contacting our office at 719-520-6600.