Why many Colorado homeowners face steep property tax hikes in 2026
Feb 8, 2026, 4:55 PM | Updated: Feb 9, 2026, 12:01 pm
I just got my notice, and sticker shock is an understatement for me. Was yours?
Colorado homeowners are facing significant property tax hikes in 2026 due to the expiration of the $55,000 valuation exemption (Senate Bill 233) and new higher assessment rates.
This, combined with high home values, means that even properties with flat valuations are experiencing sharp increases. A new split assessment rate (7.05 percent for schools, 6.25 percent for local government) further impacts the total tax burden.
Key details regarding the Colorado property tax increases:
- Expiration of Exemption: The $55,000 reduction in taxable value for homes, in place for 2023 and 2024, was removed for the 2025 tax year (paid in 2026), causing an immediate, automatic increase in tax bills.
- Increased Assessment Rates: 2025 assessment rates for residential property are set at 7.05 percent for school districts and 6.25 percent for other local government services, according to Summit County, Colo.
- Why Bills Are Higher: Even if a home’s value remained flat, the removal of the $55,000 deduction resulted in an automatic increase for tax purposes.
- Local Variations: Some areas see higher increases due to voter-approved levy increases for districts, while others may see decreases if metropolitan district bonds were paid off early.
- Impacted Taxpayers: The changes hit homeowners, particularly in areas with high appreciation between 2020 and 2022, as 9News reports.
