The Colorado General Assembly has reinstated funding for the Senior Property Tax Exemption (a/k/a Senior Homestead Exemption) for tax year 2012, payable in 2013.

For qualifying seniors, this exemption reduces the property tax on the primary residence by exempting 50% of the first $200,000 in market value. For example:

• If your primary residence has a market value of $200,000, the first $100,000 will be exempt from taxation
• If your primary residence has a market value of $175,000, the first $87,500 will be exempt from taxation, etc.
• If you have previously applied and been approved for participation in the Senior Exemption Program, you need take no further action.  Your initial application is still in effect.

For those who have not previously applied for this program, application may be made if you meet the following criteria:

• the qualifying senior must be at least 65 years of age as of January 1 the year application is made; and,
• must have been the owner of record of the property for at least ten consecutive years prior to January 1 in the year of application; and,
• must occupy the property as his or her primary residence and must have done so for at least ten consecutive years prior to January 1 in the year application is made.
  

Surviving spouses criteria: (for those who have not previously applied for the program, and the survivor does not meet age & title requirements.)

• My spouse passed away on or after January 1 of the current year; and,
• My spouse was at least 65 years old on January 1 of the year he/she passed away; and,
• My spouse occupied the property as his/her primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years prior to January 1 of the year he/she passed away; and,
• My spouse occupied the property with me as his/her primary residence; and,
• I currently occupy the property as my primary residence and have not remarried.
  

Most Respectfully,

Mark Lowderman
El Paso County Assessor

To apply for the exemption, or to obtain additional information please contact us at:

El Paso County Assessor's Office
Senior Property Tax Exemption Program
1675 West Garden of the Gods Road
Suite 2300
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 520-6600

or you may print a brochure and/or application, by clicking one of the following links:

• Senior Property Tax Exemption Brochure (.pdf format)
• Senior Property Tax Exemption Application  (.pdf format)

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A brief history of the Senior Property Tax Exemption Program:

In November 2000, Referendum A, also known as the Senior Homestead Exemption Act, was approved as an addition to the Colorado Constitution. The Act took effect as of January 1, 2002, for property taxes payable in 2003 and will remain in effect every year hereafter. Specifically, the Act grants an exemption (reduction) up to one-half of the first $200,000 in market value from property taxes for a qualifying residential owner.

If you qualify for the exemption, it is highly recommended that you apply, as the Colorado General Assembly reviews funding annually.