I thought my property taxes paid for special improvements?
Not necessarily. Owners of property may petition to have the City or County construct the improvements. The City or County may initiate this action directly by passing a resolution to construct such improvements and assess the property benefited.
Is my property in jeopardy if I fail to pay a Special Assessment Lien?
Yes, special Assessment Liens that remain unpaid are sold at the Annual Tax Lien Sale conducted by the Treasurer in the same manner as a delinquent property tax lien. However, a homeowner or property owner with a mortgage on the property may place their mortgage in jeopardy by failure to pay a Special Assessment Lien. When the annual installment of a special assessment becomes delinquent, the entire assessment goes to tax sale. Payment of the assessment can no longer be paid in installments and the entire amount must be paid in full.
How important are these Special Assessment Liens?
They become a perpetual lien in the amount of assessment against each lot or tract of land and have priority over all other liens except the general property tax lien. **Do NOT ignore the importance of special assessment liens.**
What is the most common type of Special Assessment Lien?
Many of the special assessment liens are for road and sewer improvements. These special assessments are often billed in installments of 10 to 20 years. In addition, there are special assessments for delinquent utility billings, such as overdue water and sanitation bills and overdue weed control bills. These particular assessments are billed as one payment.
Does the Treasurer collect any payment other than property tax?
The Treasurer collects City & County Improvement Liens when certified to the Office of the Treasurer in accordance with Colorado Revised Statutes. These liens are called Special Assessment(s) liens. The Treasurer also collects personal property and mobile home taxes.
Does Colorado have a Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption?
Yes, the referendum became effective January 1, 2002, and is reviewed each year by the state legislature. *Note: the property tax exemption for seniors was not funded for tax year 2009, 2010, and 2011. If you meet the qualifying criteria 50% of the first $200,000 of actual value of residential property shall be exempt from taxation for the "primary residence". The property owner must be at least 65 years old and have owned and occupied the property as his or her primary residence for the 10 years immediately preceding the assessment date.
