Leadville Property Tax rates in Leadville CO are set by the Lake County Assessor’s Office, which you can contact at (719) 486‑4110 or mwadsworth@co.lake.co.us for official guidance. The 2026 Leadville real estate tax bill reflects the 39.5‑mill levy approved for the fiscal year and ties directly to your property’s assessed value on the Leadville tax map GIS. Homeowners can settle Leadville property tax payments online through the county’s taxpayer portal, and many lenders include these amounts in mortgage escrow accounts. If you believe the Leadville land tax assessment is inaccurate, the how to appeal Leadville property tax process begins with a written objection filed before the tax notice due date.
Leadville Property Tax exemption options exist for seniors, veterans, and agricultural land, helping to reduce tax delinquency Leadville Colorado cases. The Leadville tax collector contact at (719) 486‑0349 can verify any outstanding balances and explain the Leadville tax foreclosure list procedures. For quick estimates, the Leadville property tax calculator uses your property’s market value, the assessment rate, and the current CO county tax levies Leadville. When you need relief, the property tax relief programs Leadville offers assistance with payment plans and appeals through the Board of Assessment Appeals.
Search Lake County Property Tax
Leadville sits inside Lake County, Colorado, so every property record, assessment, and payment funnels through the county offices in Leadville CO 80461. The fastest way to pull a parcel, owner name, or sale history for Leadville Property Tax purposes is the county assessor public search page. Open the Lake County Government website at https://www.lakecountyco.gov/ in a browser and follow the steps below to view a parcel record.
- Open the Lake County Assessor page in any modern browser.
- Pick the property search or parcel lookup link from the main menu.
- Type the street address, schedule number, or owner last name into the search box.
- Select the matching parcel from the result list shown on screen.
- Read the actual value, assessed value, and tax year on the detail page.
- Print or save the page as a PDF for your records or appeal file.
The portal refreshes after the assessor certifies the roll each year, so values shift between spring and summer. If a record does not appear, call (719) 486-0413 and ask staff to pull a paper file. The same search also shows ownership transfers, building data, and prior year values.
What the Public Portal Displays
The Lake County assessor public portal holds the records a taxpayer needs for Leadville Property Tax planning. Each parcel page shows market value, classification, assessment year, and any exemption flag tied to the property. Taxpayers can check sale history, building square footage, land acreage, and prior appeals on the same screen. Owners comparing bills year to year benefit from the side-by-side value history shown on the parcel page.
- Owner name and mailing address
- Schedule number and parcel number
- Actual value and assessed value
- Exemption codes and dollar amounts
- Tax year and mill levy applied
How the Assessor Sets Property Value
The Lake County Assessor discovers, lists, and values every parcel inside the county, including those inside the city of Leadville. Mass appraisal models pull comparable sales, cost data, and income data to set a market value on each property. The assessor revalues residential and commercial parcels on a regular cycle per Colorado law. Property owners who disagree with the value can object through the formal appeal steps described later in this page.
- Market approach using comparable sales
- Cost approach using replacement cost new
- Income approach for rental properties
- Physical inspection when access is granted
Colorado Assessment Rates
Colorado applies a classification-based assessment rate to actual value to produce the assessed value that mills are charged on. Residential properties receive a lower rate than commercial properties under Article X Section 3 of the Colorado Constitution. The 2026 residential ratio sits near 6.4 percent for most owner-occupied homes. Commercial properties sit at 29 percent and qualifying agricultural land sits at 21 percent for the same cycle.
| Property Class | Assessment Ratio |
|---|---|
| Residential | About 6.4 percent |
| Commercial | 29 percent |
| Agricultural (preferential use) | 21 percent |
| Vacant land | 29 percent |
| Industrial | 29 percent |
| Possessory interest | 29 percent |
Multiply the actual value by the matching ratio to reach the assessed value for Leadville Property Tax purposes. The assessed value is the number the mill levy multiplies against. Check the assessor page for the most current ratios each year.
Lake County 2026 Mill Levy
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners certified the 2026 mill levy at 39.5 mills on December 11 of the prior budget year. The total revenue supporting that budget was set near $38,419,882 and total expenses were set near $38,401,645. The mill levy covers county services, road and bridge, public safety, and several special districts that overlap Leadville. Tax bills for the 2026 cycle will carry that certified rate once values are finalized by the assessor.
- County general fund share
- Road and bridge share
- Public safety share
- Developmental disabilities share
- Overlay districts layered on top
Reading Your Property Tax Bill
A Leadville Property Tax bill lists the assessed value, the taxing entity breakdown, the mill levy for each entity, and the total amount due. Each line on the bill shows the entity name, the mills charged, and the dollars produced by those mills. The bottom of the bill shows the prior year amount so a taxpayer can compare year over year. Half of the total is typically due in the last week of February and the other half in mid-June, but verify dates on the bill itself.
- Locate the assessed value line on the upper half of the bill.
- Read each entity row to see how many mills are charged.
- Multiply the entity mills by the assessed value to confirm the dollar figure.
- Compare this year total to the prior year total at the bottom.
Sample Tax Calculation
A sample Leadville Property Tax calculation starts with the actual value of the home. Take actual value, multiply by the residential ratio to get assessed value, then multiply by the combined mill levy to get the tax due. A $500,000 home with a 6.4 percent ratio has a $32,000 assessed value. Multiply $32,000 by 0.0395 mills (39.5 divided by 1,000) to reach a county-level tax of about $1,264 before overlays. Overlays from the city, school district, and special districts raise the final number on the bill.
- Actual value × assessment ratio = assessed value
- Assessed value × total mill levy = annual tax
- Annual tax ÷ 2 = each half payment
Online Payment Options
Leadville Property Tax payments can be settled online, by mail, or in person at the county offices. The county accepts electronic check and card payments through the public payment portal, with small convenience fees charged by the processor. Payments mailed in are credited on the postmark date. In-person payments at the treasurer counter close on the same deadline as mailed payments.
- Electronic check through the county portal
- Credit or debit card with a processor fee
- Check mailed to the county PO box
- Cash or check at the treasurer counter
Payment Deadlines and Installments
Colorado law splits the annual property tax into two equal installments. The first installment is normally due the last day of February and the second is normally due the 15th of June. If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline slides to the next business day. Taxpayers who pay both halves on time avoid interest charges on the current year balance. Always check the current bill for the precise dates printed on your statement.
- Mark the first half deadline printed on the bill.
- Mark the second half deadline printed on the bill.
- Submit payment at least three business days before each date.
- Save the confirmation number from the online portal.
Late Payments and Penalties
Late Leadville Property Tax payments trigger interest at the rate set by Colorado statute on the delinquent balance. A failure to pay fee can also be added to the total once the delinquency crosses a statutory threshold. Interest compounds monthly until the balance reaches zero. Continued nonpayment can result in a tax lien and eventual publication on the foreclosure list described in a later section.
- Statutory interest charged each month
- Failure to pay fee added at the statutory threshold
- Lien recorded against the parcel
- Publication on the annual delinquent list
Mortgage Escrow Basics
Many Leadville homeowners pay their property tax through a mortgage escrow account. The lender collects a portion of each monthly mortgage payment, holds it in escrow, and pays the bill on the homeowner’s behalf when due. Escrow accounts are reviewed each year and adjusted up or down to match the projected tax bill. Homeowners can request an escrow disclosure from their lender to see the projection used for the next 12 months.
- Review the annual escrow analysis from your lender.
- Compare the projected tax to the actual tax on the bill.
- Plan for a possible monthly payment adjustment.
- Keep records of escrow disbursements for tax time.
Leadville Land Tax Assessment Process
Land and improvements are valued separately on the assessor record for every parcel inside the city of Leadville. Land value reflects the price buyers pay for unimproved lots in the same market. Improvement value reflects the depreciated replacement cost of buildings, additions, and site features. The two values are summed to reach the actual value that the assessment ratio is applied to. Separate accounting helps owners challenge only one part of the valuation if needed.
- Land line based on vacant lot sales
- Improvement line based on replacement cost
- Sum equals actual value
- Actual value times ratio equals assessed value
Objection Filing Steps
A Leadville Property Tax objection begins with a written notice filed with the Lake County Assessor by the statutory deadline. Form JDF 606 Petition to Appeal Property Tax Assessment is the standard document used for the county board of equalization step. The petition must describe the property, the year under appeal, the asserted value, and the basis for disagreement. Once filed, the assessor reviews the objection and may issue a decision before the hearing is scheduled.
- Download Form JDF 606 from the Colorado Judicial Branch site.
- Complete the parcel, owner, and value sections.
- State the factual and legal basis for the objection.
- File the petition with the county before the deadline.
Evidence for an Appeal
Strong evidence raises the chance of a Leadville Property Tax appeal win. Comparable sales within the same neighborhood and same year form the backbone of a value dispute. Photos of condition issues, repair estimates, and inspection reports add factual weight. Appraisals from a licensed Colorado appraiser also carry weight with the board. Compile documents in a single PDF so the board members can read them quickly during the hearing.
- At least three comparable sales within the past 18 months
- Photos of deferred maintenance or functional issues
- Repair bids or contractor estimates for any defect
- A licensed appraisal report when value is the central issue
Senior Homestead Exemption
Colorado law provides a senior homestead exemption that reduces the Leadville Property Tax bill for qualifying owners. The exemption is set at 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value for owners age 65 or older who have lived in the home for at least 10 years. The exemption shows up on the assessor record and on the bill itself. Apply through the assessor office once eligibility is reached and reapply only if ownership or use changes.
- Owner age 65 or older at the start of the year
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Owned and lived in for at least 10 consecutive years
- Application filed with the assessor office
Disabled Veteran Exemption
Disabled veterans rated at 100 percent by the federal VA qualify for a full Leadville Property Tax exemption under Colorado law. The exemption removes the first $200,000 of actual value from taxation each year for the qualifying veteran. There is no age limit and no minimum ownership duration for the disabled veteran exemption. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also receive a portion of the benefit under specific conditions spelled out in state law.
- Confirm the VA rating letter shows 100 percent disability.
- Confirm the home is the primary residence.
- Submit the application to the assessor office.
- Provide a copy of the VA rating letter each year.
Property Tax Relief Programs
Several property tax relief programs help Leadville Property Tax payers reduce the size of the bill. The senior homestead exemption, the disabled veteran exemption, and the agricultural classification are three of the most common programs. Income-sensitive deferral programs allow older or disabled owners to postpone payment of taxes until sale or death. Local nonprofit programs and the Colorado Property Tax Deferral Program can free up cash for households on a tight budget.
- Senior homestead exemption for owners 65 plus
- Disabled veteran exemption at 100 percent rating
- Agricultural preferential use classification
- Property tax deferral for qualifying low-income owners
Tax Delinquency and Penalties
A Leadville Property Tax bill becomes delinquent the day after the statutory deadline if the balance is not paid. Interest starts accruing on the delinquent balance at the state-set rate. A failure to pay fee is added to the total once the bill reaches a year past due. Continued nonpayment leads to a lien filing and eventual publication on the annual delinquent list. The treasurer can publish a notice of intent to sell when the delinquency meets the legal threshold.
- Confirm the bill is unpaid past the printed deadline.
- Calculate interest from the date of delinquency to today.
- Confirm the failure to pay fee tier from the treasurer.
- Decide whether to pay the full balance or set up a plan.
Tax Foreclosure and Sale
Leadville Property Tax parcels that remain delinquent for the statutory period can be sold at a public auction. The treasurer publishes a list of pending foreclosure parcels before the auction date. Each parcel on the list is offered to the highest bidder at the auction. The winning bidder receives a treasurer’s deed after the redemption period ends without a payoff. Owners facing foreclosure can redeem the parcel by paying all taxes, interest, and fees before the deed is issued.
- Notice of intent to sell published in advance
- Public auction held at the county seat
- Highest bidder takes the parcel subject to redemption
- Redemption period allows the owner to cure the default
Home Value Tax Impact
The actual value assigned by the assessor drives the Leadville Property Tax bill each year. A rise in actual value pushes the bill up if the mill levy stays the same. A drop in actual value lowers the bill, but only if the appeal is granted or the market clearly softened. Improvements to a home, such as a new roof or addition, can raise the improvement value used in the next reassessment. Track the actual value line on the assessor portal every spring.
- Market appreciation pushes actual value up
- Permitted improvements raise improvement value
- Damage or deferred maintenance can lower value
- Zoning changes may change the land value line
Leadville Tax Map GIS Tools
The Lake County GIS portal layers parcel boundaries, zoning, and taxing district data on a single map. The viewer is a fast way to confirm the parcel ID, the school district, the fire district, and the mill levy area for a Leadville address. The map can be zoomed to street level and printed for use at an appeal hearing. Parcel data exports to a PDF that owners can attach to a petition or share with a buyer.
- Open the Lake County GIS map in a browser.
- Type the Leadville street address into the search bar.
- Turn on the parcels layer from the layer menu.
- Click the parcel to see taxing district and mill levy.
Property Tax Calculator Inputs
A Leadville Property Tax calculator needs three numbers: actual value, classification, and total mill levy. Type the actual value shown on the assessor record into the first box. Pick the classification from the dropdown so the right ratio is applied. Type the total mill levy that includes all overlays for the address. The result is the projected annual tax that helps an owner plan cash flow or decide on an appeal.
- Actual value of the home and land
- Classification to pick the right ratio
- Total mill levy for the parcel address
- Any exemption dollars to subtract from the bill
Treasurer Duties and Contact
The Lake County Treasurer bills, collects, and distributes Leadville Property Tax revenue to the taxing entities. The treasurer also runs the annual delinquent list, the tax sale auction, and the lien release process. Taxpayers contact the treasurer to confirm a payment, request a receipt, or set up a payment plan on a delinquent parcel. Tax sale bidders also work with the treasurer to register for the auction and to claim the deed after the redemption period ends.
- Mailing and tracking of tax bills each year
- Collection of both installment payments
- Distribution of revenue to taxing entities
- Administration of the annual tax sale auction
Tax Notice Schedule
The Leadville Property Tax notice is mailed each year once the assessor certifies the roll and the mill levies are set. Most counties mail the bill in January for the current year of taxes. The bill lists the assessed value, the mill levy breakdown, the two installment dates, and the delinquency thresholds. Owners who do not receive a bill by mid-February should contact the treasurer office to confirm the mailing address on file.
- Confirm the assessor certified the current year roll.
- Confirm the mill levies are set by each taxing entity.
- Mail the combined bill to the owner of record.
- Track returned mail and update addresses as needed.
Three Levels of Appeal in Colorado
Leadville Property Tax appeals can move through three separate levels under Colorado law. The first level is the county board of equalization, where owners file by the county deadline each year. The second level is the Board of Assessment Appeals, an administrative body that hears disputes after the county process ends. The third level is district court, where owners file a de novo case after the BAA issues its decision. Statutes C.R.S. 39-8-106 through 39-8-108 cover the steps and timing at each level.
- County board of equalization as the first stop
- Board of Assessment Appeals for an administrative review
- District court for a de novo judicial review
- Each level has its own form, fee, and deadline
2026 Budget Context for Lake County
The Lake County 2026 budget supports the mill levy that drives the Leadville Property Tax bill for the cycle. The total revenue supporting the budget sits near $38,419,882 and the total expenses sit near $38,401,645. The budget also sets aside a mine-closure fund to offset expected declines in mining tax receipts tied to the Climax mine. Public comment on the budget is taken at town hall meetings and at the regular Board of County Commissioners sessions before adoption.
- Revenue side driven by property and mineral tax
- Expense side covers services and special districts
- Mine-closure fund cushions future mining tax declines
- Public hearings held before the December adoption
House Bill 24B-1001 and Recent Assessment Changes
Colorado lawmakers passed House Bill 24B-1001 during a special session to address rising property taxes across the state. The bill set new permanent assessment rates that apply to bills sent in the 2026 cycle. The change lowered the residential ratio for many homes and capped growth in taxable non-residential value. Lake County applied the new rates when certifying the 2026 roll. Owners can review their 2026 notice to see the new rate in action on the bill.
- Confirm the new permanent rate is reflected on the bill.
- Compare this year assessed value to last year on the portal.
- Note any cap on growth in taxable value this year.
- Decide whether an appeal is still worth filing.
Records Held by the Clerk and Recorder
The Lake County Clerk and Recorder holds the official real estate records that support Leadville Property Tax ownership claims. Deeds, liens, and mortgages are recorded in the office and indexed by grantor and grantee name. Recordings create a public chain of title that any taxpayer can pull from the office. The office also handles marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, and elections.
- Deed recordings with legal descriptions
- Lien releases and mortgage assignments
- Owner name and address updates
- Public access to recorded documents
Lake County Combined Court and Appeals
The Lake County Combined Court hears Leadville Property Tax appeals at the district court level after the Board of Assessment Appeals process ends. The court is open Monday through Friday with a lunch closure from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Court dates for property tax cases are scheduled after the BAA decision is issued. Litigants must follow the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure when filing appeals at the court.
- Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Monday through Friday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Lunch closure 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM each day
- Closed on state and federal holidays
Common Reasons to Appeal an Assessment
Leadville Property Tax appeals succeed when the owner can show the assessor overvalued the property. Common reasons include a poor condition, a functional problem, a market shift, or a factual error on the record. Comparable sales in the same neighborhood and same class are the strongest piece of evidence. Owners can also point to a recent appraisal that is lower than the assessor value. A clear, written basis for the appeal goes a long way with the board.
- Comparable sales support a lower value
- Physical condition reduces market value
- Functional or economic obsolescence applies
- Incorrect data on the assessor record
How Escrow Changes Affect the Tax Bill
An escrow shortage or surplus can change the Leadville Property Tax cash flow for a homeowner in a given year. A shortage forces the lender to spread the catch-up over the next 12 monthly payments. A surplus is refunded as a check or credited to the next year escrow. Big jumps in the tax bill can push the monthly mortgage payment up sharply. Owners facing a jump can pay the bill directly and ask the lender to adjust the escrow for next year.
- Read the annual escrow analysis from the lender.
- Compare the projected tax to the actual tax billed.
- Calculate the new monthly escrow payment.
- Decide whether to pay the bill directly to lower the hit.
Special Districts That Layer onto the Bill
Leadville Property Tax bills include charges from several special districts layered on top of the county mill levy. These districts fund fire protection, water and sanitation, library, hospital, and recreation services for the Leadville area. Each district certifies its own mill levy each year. The total of all the districts plus the county makes up the combined mill levy shown on the bill. Owners can pull a parcel map to see every district that touches the property.
- Fire protection district
- Water and sanitation district
- Library district
- Recreation or hospital district
Tips for First-Time Property Owners in Leadville
New Leadville Property Tax owners should set up a file on the parcel the day escrow closes. Save the deed, the first bill, the assessor printout, and any closing paperwork in a single folder. Set phone reminders one week before each installment date. Plan cash flow by dividing the projected annual tax by 12 and setting that money aside each month. Reach out to the assessor office to confirm the mailing address on file.
- Pull a parcel record from the assessor portal.
- Save a PDF of the current year bill.
- Set calendar reminders for the two installment dates.
- Divide the annual tax by 12 and budget monthly.
How to Read a Treasurer Receipt
A Leadville Property Tax treasurer receipt shows the parcel, the year paid, the amount paid, the payment date, and the remaining balance. The receipt also lists any penalties or interest that were paid alongside the tax. Save the receipt for at least three years in case the lender or a buyer asks for proof of payment. A scanned PDF works for record keeping and is easy to email to a lender or buyer.
- Parcel number and tax year
- Payment amount and date
- Penalties and interest paid
- Remaining balance shown on the parcel
Statewide Property Tax Resources
Leadville Property Tax payers can also tap statewide Colorado resources for help. The Department of Local Affairs publishes property tax rules and aggregate data. The Colorado Judicial Branch posts Form JDF 606 and instructions for property tax appeals. The Colorado Property Tax Deferral Program page explains the income-sensitive deferral option for seniors and disabled owners. The assessor page and the treasurer page remain the primary contacts for Lake County parcels.
- Department of Local Affairs property tax rules
- Colorado Judicial Branch appeal forms
- Colorado Property Tax Deferral Program
- Statewide property tax records portal
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Lake County Assessor’s Office and the Lake County Clerk and Recorder handle the records that drive Leadville Property Tax bills. Use the verified contact details below to reach the right office for the right task. Visit the assessor for values, exemptions, and appeals, and visit the clerk and recorder for deeds, liens, and recordings.
| Department | Phone | Assessor Name | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake County Assessor’s Office | (719) 486-0413 | Howard Tritz | Lake County, Colorado |
Official website:
- https://www.lakecountyco.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
Leadville Property Tax matters are handled by the Lake County Assessor’s Office. Residents can view assessments, pay bills online, and appeal valuations. Knowing where to find contact information, payment portals, and appeal steps helps avoid penalties and saves time.
What is the phone number and email for the Leadville tax assessor office?
The Lake County Assessor’s Office in Leadville can be reached at (719) 486-4110. Email inquiries go to mwadsworth@co.lake.co.us. Use these contacts for billing questions, parcel searches, or to schedule an in‑person meeting.
How do I pay my Leadville property tax bill online?
Visit the Lake County Assessor’s portal at https://www.lakecountyco.com/182/Assessor. After logging in, select “Pay Tax Bill,” enter your parcel number, and choose a credit card or ACH transfer. Payments post instantly, and you receive a confirmation email.
Where can I find the Leadville property tax rates for 2026?
The 2026 mill levy for Lake County is listed on the county’s budget page. Multiply the assessed value by the assessment rate, then apply the 39.5‑mill levy to calculate the yearly tax. Example: a $300,000 home with a 7.15% assessment rate yields $21,525 taxable value; 39.5 mills produce a $850 tax bill.
What steps must I follow to appeal a Leadville property tax assessment?
First, log into the assessor portal and download Form JDF 606. Fill in the parcel details, attach recent sales data or repair estimates, and submit by the county’s deadline—usually early May. After filing, a hearing with the Board of Assessment Appeals will be scheduled. Bring copies of supporting documents to the hearing.
How can I check if I qualify for a Leadville property tax exemption?
Exemptions include senior homestead, disabled veteran, and agricultural use. Verify eligibility on the assessor’s website, then complete the appropriate exemption form. Attach proof such as age identification, disability documentation, or farm receipts, and return the package to the office by the posted deadline.