Homeowners and renters are missing out on millions of dollars in tax relief. Use the resources below to learn more.
Colorado
You may be eligible to receive money back
Colorado Program Overview
Property Tax-Aide features the PTC Rebate, Senior Property Tax Exemption, and Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral programs in Colorado.
The information on this page is updated as new information becomes available by the relevant tax agencies.
PTC Rebate
The Property Tax, Rent, and Heat (PTC) Rebate is available for Colorado residents with low income who are older or have disabilities in order to help with their property tax, rent, and/or heat expenses this winter and beyond. The rebate amount can be up to $1,044 a year and if you apply by April 15, 2024, you could receive up to a $1,600 TABOR refund ($800 for single filers).
Eligibility
You may be eligible if you:
- Resided in Colorado the entire year
- Are lawfully present in the United States. Persons who are 18 years of age or older and are applying for a public benefit such as PTC must prove lawful presence in the United States
- Are a single person with total income of less than $18,026 or a married couple with total combined income of less than $24,345
- At least 65 years old or a surviving spouse at least 58 years old
- Were disabled for all of 2023, regardless of age, and received benefits for the full year
- Are not claimed as a dependent on any other person's federal income tax return
Application Deadline
- Applications for the Colorado PTC rebate for 2023 are due by December 31, 2025.
- Applications for the Colorado PTC Rebate for 2022 are due by December 31, 2024.
- The application deadline has passed for PTC Rebate for 2021 and prior years. You can no longer apply for these years.
Required Documentation
- Total gross income received
- Homeowners: Total amount of property tax paid
- Renters: Total rent paid and total heat/fuel expense paid if not included in your rent payment
- If disabled, disability statement (less than 90 days old)
- List of all the places you lived — and the dates you lived there — throughout the year.
- Driver’s license or ID number and expiration date. The Department might request additional proof of Colorado residency if your license or ID was not valid for the full year.
- Colorado residents who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can apply for an alternative identification (ID) from the Colorado Department of Revenue using Form DR 0019.
- First-time filers must provide proof of full-year Colorado residency.
- If you did not hold your Colorado driver’s license or ID card from January 1–December 31, 2023, you must attach a copy of your lease or rental agreement.
- Make sure you submit all 2 pages of your application, plus affidavit or your rebate will be delayed or denied.
Additional Information & Resources
Colorado Dept of Revenue offers an online application and submittal of the PTC form. See Revenue Online at https://www.colorado.gov/revenueonline/_/#1
For additional information and resources, please visit the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) Rebate webpage at https://tax.colorado.gov/PTC-rebate
For questions about the PTC Rebate Program call the Taxpayer Helpline at (303) 238-7378
Senior Property Tax Exemption
The program provides an exemption of up to half of the first $200,000 in the market value from property taxes for qualifying residential homeowner. The maximum exemption is $100,000. The program is dependent upon state funding being available. If the program isn’t funded in one year, you are encouraged to apply and be placed in the system for future funding.
Eligibility
- You must be at least 65 years old on January 1 of the year in which you want to qualify. This means that most people will apply the year after they turn 65, since they must already be 65 on January 1 of that year.
- You must be the owner of record. Owner of record means an individual whose name appears on a valid recorded deed to residential real property as an owner of the property. The title can be held individually, as joint tenants, or as tenants in common. You can also qualify if you hold a life estate in the property
- You must have been the owner of record for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1.
- You must occupy the property as your primary residence.
- You must have occupied the property as your primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1.
Application Deadline
Applications can be filed between January 1 and July 15, with the county assessor. The exemption remains in effect until a disqualifying event, such as sale of the property or you move. Annual application is not required
Required Documentation
- Application form, either: Short Form application is used if you qualify as a senior and are applying for yourself or the Long Form application is used if you are a surviving spouse of a senior who previously qualified
- Application form requires social security numbers of all persons who occupy the property as their primary residence
Additional Information & Resources
This information can also be found on the Colorado Division of Property Taxation website
If you have questions regarding the senior property tax exemption, contact the Colorado Division of Property Taxation at (303) 864-7777 or contact your county assessor.
Contact information for county assessors can be found on the Colorado Assessors’ Association website or the Colorado Senior Property pdf
Senior Citizen Property Tax Deferral
The Property Tax Deferral Program has traditionally helped seniors to afford to live in their homes by deferring the payment of their property taxes. The deferral loan is recorded as a junior lien against the participant’s property. It does not have to be repaid until the participant no longer qualifies, leaves the program, or sells the property.
Eligibility
- Taxpayer must be 65 or older. Surviving spouse may be considered for continuing the deferral. The state treasurer office must review and approve any such request.
- The property must be owner-occupied. The owner must own the property fee-simple or own the mobile home under a recorded instrument of sale.
- The property must be residential and not income-producing.
- All previous property taxes must have been paid in full
- The total value of all liens or mortgages and deeds of trust must be less than or equal to 75% of the actual value of the property. If not less than or equal to 75%, a complete subordination agreement in the form described by the state will be required. The total value of liens or mortgages, deeds of trust and deferrals cannot exceed 100% of the actual value.
Application Deadline
Application must be filed between January 1 and April 1. The taxpayer must reapply each year to continue deferring prior year taxes, as well as to request deferral on current year taxes.
Required Documentation
- The value of the property, based on the most recent appraisal by the county assessor
- List all mortgages which constitute liens on the property, and where all these are recorded in county records,
Additional Information & Resources
If you have questions about enrolling or eligibility:
Visit colorado.propertytaxdeferral.com/faq.
Call 833-634-2513
Email: [email protected]
Your Market Value can be found on your current year tax bill or by visiting your County Assessor’s website
To claim a deferral the taxpayer shall file a claim for deferral with the treasurer of the county
Your Resources
Your state accepts digital and mailed applications
Property Tax-Aide has independently selected the property tax relief programs featured on this website that we think are the most relevant and beneficial to older adults. It is not an exhaustive list of all property tax relief programs available in each state. Please consult your local tax agency for a comprehensive listing of property tax relief programs in your area.