Clear Creek Property Tax rates for 2026 average about 0.54% of market value, placing the county slightly above Colorado’s overall average and reflecting the high mountain property values in Georgetown and surrounding towns. Homeowners can check the Clear Creek County tax assessor’s portal to view the 2026 Clear Creek property tax bill, explore Clear Creek tax exemptions such as senior homestead relief, and calculate dues with the Clear Creek property tax calculator. Payment deadlines are posted by the Clear Creek County Treasurer office, and the county offers a Clear Creek property tax payment plan for those needing flexibility. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal property tax Clear Creek through the Clear Creek property tax appeals board before the statutory deadline. For further assistance, contact the Clear Creek tax collector at (303) 679‑2315 or email dgee@clearcreekcounty.us.
Clear Creek property tax history shows a steady rise, prompting many owners to explore Clear Creek tax reduction options and Clear Creek tax relief programs like abatements for historic properties. The Clear Creek County Assessor’s Office also provides Clear Creek tax forms for exemptions, refunds, and lien filings, all available on the official website. Residents with overdue balances should review Clear Creek tax delinquent properties information to avoid penalties and learn about the Clear Creek tax refund process if overpayment occurs. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs property tax data, combined with Clear Creek school district tax and Clear Creek fire district tax rates, gives a complete picture of your real estate tax obligations. For detailed queries, the Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder office can verify deed records and related documentation.
Search Clear Creek County Property Tax
Looking up Clear Creek County Property Tax records starts with the county’s public search tools. The county runs its own parcel lookup system through the Assessor’s Office. Anyone can search a property by address, owner name, or schedule number at no cost.
Follow these steps to begin a search:
- Open the official Clear Creek County website at clearcreekcounty.us.
- Navigate to the Assessor’s Office section from the main menu.
- Find the property search or parcel viewer tool on the Assessor’s page.
- Type the property address, schedule number, or owner name into the search bar.
- Review the assessment data, ownership history, and tax bill details on the results page.
The county’s property search tool shows the assessed value, property class, sale history, and building details. Users can view parcel maps and lot lines on the screen. Refer to the official Clear Creek County website for the most current search options and access details.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Rates and Statistics
Clear Creek County Property Tax rates sit near 0.54% of market value on average. The county’s effective rate lands close to 0.377%, slightly under the Colorado state average of 0.393%. The median tax bill in the county reaches about $2,160, well above the state median of $1,560.
Higher property values in the mountain towns of Georgetown, Idaho Springs, and Empire push the median bill upward. Even with low mill levies, expensive homes create larger tax totals. Many properties near the I-70 corridor see stronger demand because of the mountain setting.
The table below shows how Clear Creek County compares to state numbers:
| Metric | Clear Creek County | Colorado Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average Property Tax Rate | 0.54% | 0.50% – 0.60% |
| Effective Property Tax Rate | 0.377% | 0.393% |
| Median Annual Tax Bill | $2,160 | $1,560 |
| Georgetown Specific Rate | 0.54% | N/A |
| Residential Assessment Ratio | ~6.4% | ~6.4% statewide |
These numbers shift each year based on local budgets, school funding needs, and state law changes. House Bill 24B-1001 set new permanent assessment rates for the current tax cycle. That law ended temporary pandemic-era cuts and replaced them with stable long-term rates.
How the Clear Creek County Tax Assessor Calculates Property Value
The Clear Creek County Tax Assessor sets the value of every parcel in the county. The office uses a method called actual value, which mirrors the market price a willing buyer would pay. Colorado law defines actual value under Article X, Section 3 of the state constitution.
Residential properties get an assessment ratio of about 6.4% for the current tax cycle. That means a home with a market value of $500,000 has an assessed value near $32,000. Commercial properties use a 29% ratio, and agricultural land uses a 21% preferential-use ratio.
The Assessor’s Office reviews these key data points each reappraisal cycle:
- Recent sales of similar nearby properties
- Cost to rebuild the structure at current prices
- Rental income from commercial buildings
- Land size, zoning, and access to utilities
- Physical condition and age of the buildings
Reappraisals in Colorado happen on a two-year cycle. Property owners receive a notice of valuation from the Assessor during the reappraisal year. Refer to the Clear Creek County Assessor’s Office for current cycle timing and notice dates.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Bill Components
Each Clear Creek County Property Tax bill contains several line items. The bill covers the county’s general fund, schools, fire protection, water districts, and special districts. Every line has its own mill levy, set each year by the local voters or board.
One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. If a district sets a 10-mill levy, the owner of a $300,000 home with a 6.4% assessment ratio pays $192 per year to that district alone.
The table below lists the main tax entities that collect money in Clear Creek County:
| Taxing Entity | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek County | County | Roads, sheriff, public services |
| Clear Creek School District RE-1 | School | K-12 education funding |
| Local Fire Districts | Special District | Fire and emergency response |
| Water and Sanitation Districts | Special District | Water lines, sewer service |
| Recreation and Park Districts | Special District | Parks, trails, recreation |
| Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Empire | Municipal | City services, roads, police |
Property owners can see the full breakdown on the Treasurer’s website. Each line shows the mill levy, the assessed value, and the dollar amount owed to that district. Totals match the sum of all entity levies for the parcel.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Payment Deadlines and Methods
Clear Creek County Property Tax bills arrive in the mail each year ahead of the payment due dates. The Treasurer’s Office sets the installment schedule for the county. Refer to the official Clear Creek County Treasurer’s Office for the current year’s payment deadlines.
The Treasurer’s Office accepts several payment methods. Owners can pay online, by mail, or in person at the county courthouse in Georgetown. Drop boxes and e-check options make payment simple for most residents.
Common payment methods include:
- Online payment by credit card or e-check
- Check mailed to the county
- Cash or check in person at the Treasurer’s window
- Automatic bank draft through the county portal
Late payments face penalties and interest on the unpaid balance. Interest accrues on delinquent taxes. After extended nonpayment, the county may list the property for a tax lien sale. Contact the Treasurer’s Office for current penalty and interest rates.
Clear Creek County Tax Exemptions and Relief Programs
Clear Creek County Property Tax exemptions help lower bills for qualifying owners. The state runs a senior homestead exemption under C.R.S. § 39-3-203. Owners who are 65 or older and have lived in their home for at least 10 years may qualify for a 50% reduction on the first $200,000 of actual value.
Disabled veterans who own a home in Colorado can claim a full exemption from property tax. The veteran must have a 100% service-connected disability rating from the VA. No age or duration of ownership test applies for this exemption.
Other available exemptions and relief programs include:
- Senior homestead exemption (age 65 plus 10-year ownership)
- Disabled veteran exemption (100% service-connected)
- Active duty military exemption
- Religious and charitable property exemption
- Greenbelt agricultural land classification
- Tax abatement for historic property preservation
Each exemption has its own application form and deadline. Forms are available on the Assessor’s webpage or at the office in Georgetown. The Assessor reviews each application and sends a written decision by mail.
How to Appeal a Clear Creek County Property Tax Assessment
Property owners who believe their Clear Creek County Property Tax value is too high can file an appeal. The appeal goes to the Clear Creek County Board of Equalization, which reviews evidence and rules on disputed values. The deadline to file is set by Colorado statute; refer to the Assessor’s Office for the current protest deadline.
Owners can appeal by submitting a written protest form. The form lists the schedule number, the owner’s contact details, and the reason for the protest. Supporting documents help the board reach a fair decision.
Strong evidence for an appeal includes:
- Recent sales of similar nearby homes at lower prices
- Photos of property damage or needed repairs
- An independent appraisal from a licensed appraiser
- Comparable rental income data for commercial property
- Documentation of zoning or land-use issues
The board schedules a hearing after receiving the protest. Owners can attend in person or send a representative. The board can lower, raise, or leave the value unchanged. A denied appeal can move forward to the Colorado Board of Assessment Appeals or to district court.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Refund Process
Owners who overpay Clear Creek County Property Tax can request a refund. Common causes include duplicate payments, exemption approvals, or value reductions after an appeal. The refund process starts with a written request to the Treasurer’s Office.
Refund requests need proof of payment and proof of the overpayment. The Treasurer’s Office reviews the claim and either issues a refund check or applies the credit to the next tax year. Refer to the Treasurer’s Office for current processing timeframes.
Required items for a refund request include:
- Copy of the original tax bill
- Proof of payment (cancelled check, receipt, or bank statement)
- Written explanation of the overpayment
- Documentation of approved exemption or successful appeal
Refund claims carry a statute of limitations set by Colorado law. Claims filed after the deadline may not qualify. The Treasurer’s Office can help owners start the process and check the status of pending refunds.
Clear Creek County Tax Lien and Delinquent Property Information
Unpaid Clear Creek County Property Tax leads to a tax lien on the property. The lien gives the county a legal claim against the parcel until the debt is paid. Interest and penalties keep adding to the balance each month.
After a set period, the county may auction the lien to a private investor. The investor pays the back taxes and gains the right to collect the debt plus interest. The property owner still has the right to redeem the lien before the end of the redemption period.
Key facts about tax liens in Clear Creek County include:
- Liens earn interest on unpaid balances as set by state law
- Redemption periods vary based on the amount owed
- Public auction notices appear in the local newspaper
- The county publishes a list of delinquent properties online
Buyers interested in tax lien auctions must register and follow county rules. Funds for lien purchases must be on deposit with the Treasurer before the auction date. The county offers a list of upcoming auctions and instructions on the Treasurer’s webpage.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Forms and Documents
Clear Creek County Property Tax forms cover appeals, exemptions, refunds, and address changes. The Assessor’s Office keeps most forms in PDF format for easy download. Forms are free, and no account is needed to access them.
The Clerk and Recorder also keeps deed and lien forms on the recording portal. Users can search records, view scanned images, and print copies for a small fee. Official certified copies require an in-person request or a mail-in form.
Common forms available from county offices include:
- Protest and appeal form (Assessor)
- Senior homestead exemption application
- Disabled veteran exemption application
- Tax lien redemption form (Treasurer)
- Address change request form
- Refund request form
Forms are available through the Assessor’s and Treasurer’s pages on the official Clear Creek County website at https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/. Recording and deed forms are also available through the Clerk and Recorder section of the same site.
Clear Creek County Treasurer Office Responsibilities
The Clear Creek County Treasurer’s Office collects and distributes all property tax dollars. The office sends out tax bills, processes payments, and tracks delinquencies. The Treasurer also manages tax lien auctions and coordinates with other county offices.
The Treasurer’s Office works under the County Finance Department. Together, they handle the annual budget, financial reports, and audits. Tax dollars fund schools, fire districts, water districts, and county operations.
Core duties of the Treasurer’s Office include:
- Mailing tax bills each year
- Processing online and in-person payments
- Tracking and collecting delinquent taxes
- Managing tax lien sales and redemptions
- Distributing funds to local taxing entities
- Maintaining tax history records for the public
The Treasurer reports tax collection data to the Board of County Commissioners each month. The report shows payment rates, delinquent accounts, and total funds distributed to each district. The Finance Department posts budget documents and annual reports on the county website.
School District and Fire District Tax Levies in Clear Creek County
School and fire protection make up a large share of every Clear Creek County Property Tax bill. Clear Creek School District RE-1 covers most of the county’s public school students. The district sets its own mill levy each year through the budget process.
Fire districts in the county provide emergency response across unincorporated areas and contract with towns for service. Levies for fire service fund equipment, training, and station maintenance.
The table below shows the major special district levies in the county:
| District | Service Area | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Creek School District RE-1 | Countywide | K-12 public education |
| Clear Creek Fire Authority | Most of the county | Fire and emergency medical |
| Georgetown Water and Sanitation | Georgetown | Water and sewer service |
| Idaho Springs Water | Idaho Springs | Water service |
| Placer Valley Recreation | Southern county | Parks and recreation |
| County Road and Bridge | Unincorporated areas | Local road maintenance |
Each district sets a mill levy that fits its annual budget. State law limits how much total revenue a district can keep. Voters in some districts must approve any increase above the state cap. The Assessor’s website lists all mill levies by district and parcel.
Clear Creek County Property Tax Payment Plan Options
Owners who struggle to pay their Clear Creek County Property Tax bill can apply for a payment plan. The Treasurer’s Office works with owners to set up monthly installments. Plans help owners avoid tax liens and protect their property from auction.
Payment plans need a written request and proof of financial hardship. The Treasurer reviews each request and sets terms based on the amount owed. Most plans require regular monthly payments until the full balance is paid.
Steps to set up a payment plan include:
- Call or visit the Treasurer’s Office to discuss options.
- Fill out the payment plan application form.
- Provide proof of income and current financial situation.
- Agree to the monthly payment amount and schedule.
- Make all payments on time to keep the plan active.
Missing a payment can end the plan and restart penalty charges. The county may also list the property for tax lien sale if the balance grows too large. Owners facing long-term hardship may qualify for state relief programs through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
Residents can reach the Clear Creek County Tax Assessor’s Office through the county’s official website. The office handles property valuation, exemptions, and appeals. Staff answer questions about assessed values and parcel data.
Contact details for the Assessor’s Office are available on the official county website:
- Department: Clear Creek County Assessor’s Office
- Official Website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/
The Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder handles deeds, liens, and official records. The office records property transfers and keeps historical records dating back decades. Public terminals let visitors search records at no cost.
Contact details for the Clerk and Recorder are available on the official county website:
- Department: Clear Creek County Clerk and Recorder
- Official Website: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/
Both offices sit inside the Clear Creek County Courthouse in Georgetown. The building is the central hub for property tax records and assessments. Refer to the county website for specific contact phone numbers, email addresses, office hours, and directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Creek Property Tax affects every homeowner and landowner in the county. Knowing where to pay, how to appeal, and what exemptions exist can save time and money. Below are the most common questions people ask about Clear Creek County tax services, rates, and deadlines.
What is the phone number and email to contact the Clear Creek County Assessor for property tax questions?
The Assessor’s Office can be reached at (303) 679‑2315 or via email at dgee@clearcreekcounty.us. Staff answer inquiries about tax rates, assessment notices, and payment options during regular business hours. Call or email to confirm your parcel’s assessed value, request a copy of your tax bill, or ask about exemptions before the payment deadline.
How can I view my 2026 Clear Creek property tax bill online?
Visit the Assessor’s public portal at https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/661/ClearMap—Property-Viewer. Enter your address, owner name, or schedule number. The system displays the current bill, tax rate, and any pending liens. Print the screen or download a PDF for your records. The portal updates automatically after each assessment cycle.
Where do I find the official Clear Creek County tax forms and where should I mail them?
All tax forms are listed on the county website under Finance & Budget. Download PDFs, complete them, and mail to PO Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444. For electronic submissions, attach the completed PDF to an email addressed to the appropriate department (assessor or treasurer). The website also provides a checklist of required attachments.
What steps should I follow to appeal a Clear Creek property tax assessment?
First, review your assessment notice for errors. Gather recent sales data, appraisals, or repair invoices that support a lower value. File an appeal form with the Assessor’s Office before the deadline noted on the notice—usually within 30 days. Submit the form, supporting documents, and any fees to the clerk at (303) 679‑2339 or clerk@clearcreekcounty.us. After review, the Appeals Board will issue a decision, often within 60 days.
Are there tax exemption programs available for seniors or disabled veterans in Clear Creek County?
Yes. Seniors 65 and older may qualify for a partial homestead exemption, reducing taxable value on the first $200,000 of assessed value. Disabled veterans receive a full exemption on the same portion of their homestead. To apply, complete the exemption form found on the assessor’s portal and attach proof of age or disability. Submit the packet to the Assessor’s Office before the annual deadline.
What payment methods does the Clear Creek County Treasurer accept and what are the deadlines?
The Treasurer accepts online payments through the county’s portal, credit/debit cards, checks mailed to PO Box 2000, and in‑person payments at the Treasurer’s office. The due date for the 2026 tax bill is typically October 1; however, the exact deadline appears on each notice. Late payments incur interest, so pay early or set up a payment plan by contacting the Treasurer at (303) 679‑2315.