Senior, Disabled Veterans, and Gold Star Spouse Exemptions

Property tax exemption

Colorado voters passed a Property Tax Exemption for Seniors in the November 2000 election (also known as Referendum A). The law provides that 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value for a qualifying senior citizen’s primary residence shall be exempt from property taxation. The State of Colorado pays the property taxes on the exempted value.

To qualify for the exemption, the senior must:

1. have reached age 65 as of January 1, 2024;
2. have occupied the property for 10 years prior to January 1, 2024; and,
3. have filed an application for the exemption.

How do I apply?
How do I apply? We have the senior exemption forms available in our office and on our website. You must apply by July 15. If you would like more information regarding this program, call Garfield County Assessor’s Office at 970-945-9134.

Disabled Veteran exemptions

Property tax exemption

In 2006, Colorado voters approved Referendum E, amending section 3.5 of Article X of the Colorado Constitution. The amendment and subsequent legislation expanded the senior property tax exemption to include “qualifying disabled veterans”.

For disabled Veterans who qualify, 50 percent of the first $200,000 of actual value of the Veteran’s primary residence is exempted. The state will reimburse the Garfield County Treasurer for the lost revenue. Owners of multiple residences may only designate one property as their primary residence.

To qualify for the exemption the Veteran must:

1. The Veteran sustained a service-connected disability while serving on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States.
2. The Veteran was honorably discharged.
3. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs has rated the Veteran’s service-connected disability as one hundred percent permanent and total.
4. The Veteran must own the property, and must have been an owner of record since January 1 of the current year.
5. The Veteran must occupy the property as his or her primary residence and must have done so since January 1 of the current year.
6. The property must be classified as residential.
7. The application must include a copy of the Veteran’s VA Summary of Benefits letter. This letter can be obtained at http://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters .

Applications are available at the Garfield County Assessor’s office and on our website.

The application must be turned in by July 1,2024 to the following:
Garfield County Assessor’s Office
109 8th Street Suite 207
Glenwood Spring, CO. 81601

Gold Star Spouse Property Tax Exemption

In 2022, Colorado Voters Approved Referendum E, amending section 3.5 of Article X of the Colorado Constitution. The amendment and subsequent legislation expanded the senior property tax exemption to include “Gold Star Spouses”.

For Gold Star Spouses who qualify 50 % of the first $200,000 of actual value of their primary residence is exempted. The state will reimburse the county treasurer for the lost revenue. Owners of multiple residences may only designate one property as their primary residence.

To qualify for the exemption, the Gold Star Spouse must:

1. Be qualified under Federal Law and by the state Department of Military and Veteran affairs.
2. The application must include a copy of the Veteran’s VA Summary of Benefits letter. This letter can be obtained at http://www.va.gov/records/download-va-letters or your letter from the Department of Defense.
3. Not have remarried.
4. Own the property and have been an owner of record since January 1 of the current year.
5. Occupy the property as his/her primary residence and have done so since January 1 of the current Year.

Applications are available at the Garfield County Assessor’s office and on our website.

The application must be turned in by July 1, 2024 to the following:

Garfield County Assessor’s Office
109 8th Street Suite 207
Glenwood Spring, CO. 81601