Title 39

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ARTICLE 3

 PART 1
PROPERTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION

39-3-101. Legislative declaration – presumption of charitable purpose.

The general assembly recognizes that only the judiciary may make a final decision as to whether or not any given property is used for charitable purposes within the meaning of the Colorado constitution; nevertheless, in order to guide members of the public and public officials alike in the making of their day-to-day decisions and to assist in the avoidance of litigation, the general assembly hereby finds, declares, and determines that the uses of property that are set forth in this part 1 as uses for charitable purposes benefit the people of Colorado and lessen the burdens of government by performing services that government would otherwise be required to perform. Therefore, property used for such purposes shall be presumed to be used, or owned and used, as applicable, solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit, if applicable, and, consequently, property used for such purposes is entitled to be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of this part 1 and the Colorado constitution. This legislative finding, declaration, determination, and presumption shall not be questioned by the administrator and shall be entitled to great weight in any and every court.

39-3-102. Household furnishings – exemption.

(1) Household furnishings, including free-standing household appliances, wall-to-wall carpeting, an independently owned residential solar electric generation facility, and security devices and systems that are not used for the production of income at any time shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax. If any household furnishings are used for the production of income for any period of time during the taxable year, such household furnishings shall be taxable for the entire taxable year. An independently owned residential solar electric generation facility shall not be considered to be used for the production of income unless the facility produces income for the owner of the residential real property on which the facility is located. For property tax purposes only, rebates, offsets, credits, and reimbursements specified in section 40-2-124, C.R.S., shall not constitute the production of income.  For purposes of this subsection (1), for property tax purposes only, security devices and systems shall include, but shall not be limited to, security doors, security bars, and alarm systems.

(2) For property tax years commencing on and after January 1, 1990, no work of art, as defined in section 39-1-102 (18), which is not subject to annual depreciation and which would otherwise be exempt under this section shall cease to be exempt because it is stored or displayed on premises other than a residence.

39-3-103. Personal effects – exemption.

Personal effects which are not used for the production of income at any time shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-104. Ditches, canals, and flumes – exemption.

Ditches, canals, and flumes which are owned and used by any person exclusively for irrigating land owned by such person shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-105. Public libraries – governments – school districts – exemption.

Property, real and personal, of public libraries and of the state and its political subdivisions, including school districts or any cooperative association thereof, shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-106. Property – religious purposes – exemption – legislative declaration.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for religious purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

(2) In order to guide members of the public and public officials alike in the making of their day-to-day decisions, to provide for a consistent application of the laws, and to assist in the avoidance of litigation, the general assembly hereby finds and declares that religious worship has different meanings to different religious organizations; that the constitutional guarantees regarding establishment of religion and the free exercise of religion prevent public officials from inquiring as to whether particular activities of religious organizations constitute religious worship; that many activities of religious organizations are in the furtherance of the religious purposes of such organizations; that such religious activities are an integral part of the religious worship of religious organizations; and that activities of religious organizations which are in furtherance of their religious purposes constitute religious worship for purposes of section 5 of article X of the Colorado constitution. This legislative finding and declaration shall be entitled to great weight in any and every court.

(3) For the purpose of claiming an exemption pursuant to this section, property that is owned and used by a charitable trust that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, shall be treated the same as property that is owned and used by any other type of nonprofit organization.

39-3-106.5. Tax-exempt property – incidental use – exemption – limitations.

(1) If any property, real or personal, which is otherwise exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of section 39-3-106, is used for any purpose other than the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, such property shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) The property is used for such purposes for less than two hundred eight hours, adjusted for partial usage if necessary on the basis of the relationship that the amount of time and space used for such other purpose bears to the total available time and space, during the calendar year; or

(b) The use of the property for such purposes results in either: (I) Less than ten thousand dollars of gross income to the owner of such property which is derived from any unrelated trade or business, as determined pursuant to the provisions of sections 511 to 513 of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended; or

(II) Less than ten thousand dollars of gross rental income to the owner of such property.

(1.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, for property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 1994, if any property, real or personal, which is otherwise exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of section 39-3-106, is used for any purpose other than the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, such property shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) The property is used for such purposes for less than two hundred eight hours, adjusted for partial usage if necessary on the basis of the relationship that the amount of time and space used for such other purpose bears to the total available time and space, during the calendar year; or

(b) The use of the property for such purposes results in less than twenty-five thousand dollars of gross rental income to the owner of such property.

(I) Less than ten thousand dollars of gross income to the owner of such property which is derived from any unrelated trade or business, as determined pursuant to the provisions of sections 511 to 513 of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended; and

(II) Less than ten thousand dollars of gross rental income to the owner of such property.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in section 39-3-108 (3) and subsection (3) of this section, if any property, real or personal, that is otherwise exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of sections 39-3-107 to 39-3-113.5 is used on an occasional, noncontinuous basis for any purpose other than the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, such property shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) The property is used for such purposes for less than two hundred eight hours, adjusted for partial usage if necessary on the basis of the relationship that the amount of time and space used for such other purpose bears to the total available time and space, during the calendar year; or

(b) The use of the property for such purposes results in less than twenty-five thousand dollars of gross rental income to the owner of such property.

(3)  The requirement that property be used on an occasional basis in order to qualify for the exemption set forth in subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to property, real or personal, that is otherwise exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of section 39-3-111 that is used for any purpose other than the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5.

39-3-107. Property – not-for-profit schools – exemption.

Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for schools which are not held or conducted for private or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax. No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption. Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-108. Property – nonresidential – health care facility – water company – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) Such property is nonresidential;

(b) Such property is licensed by the state of Colorado as a health care facility; or

(c) Such property is used as an integral part of a nonprofit domestic water company.

(1.3) Nonresidential property that is owned and used solely and exclusively by a qualified amateur sports organization shall be presumed to be owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes. For purposes of this subsection (1.3), the term “qualified amateur sports organization” means any organization organized and operated exclusively to foster local, statewide, national, or international amateur sports competition if such organization is also organized and operated primarily to support and develop amateur athletes for national or international competition in sports; except that no part of the net earnings of such organization inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. So long as a qualified amateur sports organization demonstrates that its membership is open to any individual who is an amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official active in such sport or to any amateur sports organization that conducts programs in such sport, or both, the organization shall be presumed to provide public benefits to an indefinite number of persons and to directly benefit the people of Colorado whether or not the right to benefit may depend upon voluntary membership in the organization.

(1.5) No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption.

(2) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

(3) (a) When any property of a health care facility, real or personal, or any portion thereof, which is otherwise exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section, is used for any purpose other than the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, such property or portion thereof shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if the use of the property or portion thereof does not result in gross income derived from any unrelated trade or business to the owner which is in excess of fifteen percent of the total gross revenues derived from the operation of the property. Gross income derived from any unrelated trade or business shall be determined pursuant to the provisions of sections 511 through 513 of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended.

(b) If the use of any property or portion thereof results in gross income derived from any unrelated trade or business in excess of fifteen percent of the total gross revenues to the owner derived from the operation of the property, the administrator shall determine the value of the nonexempt portion of the property for property tax purposes.

39-3-108.5. Property – community corrections facility – exemption.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is owned and used by a nonprofit community corrections agency for a community correctional facility or program.

(2) As used in this section:

(a) “Community correctional facility or program” shall have the meaning set forth in section 17-27-102 (3), C.R.S., for community corrections program.

(b) “Nonprofit community corrections agency” means any person, agency, corporation, association, or entity that:

(I) Is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended; and

(II) Operates a community correctional facility or program.

(3) The provisions of this section shall apply to property tax years beginning on or after January 1, 1993.

39-3-109. Residential property – integral part of tax-exempt entities – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is residential and the structure and the land upon which such structure is located are used as an integral part of a church, an eleemosynary hospital, an eleemosynary licensed health care facility, a school, or an institution whose property is otherwise exempt from taxation pursuant to the provisions of this part 1 and which is not leased or rented at any time to persons other than:

(a) Persons who are attending such school as students; or

(b) Persons who are actually receiving care or treatment from such hospital, licensed health care facility, or institution for physical or mental disabilities and who, in order to receive such care or treatment, are required to be domiciled within such hospital, licensed health care facility, or institution, or within affiliated residential units.

(2) Persons residing within residential units specified in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of this section may submit to the administrator, on a form prescribed by the administrator, a certificate signed by a physician licensed to practice in the state of Colorado that the medical condition of such individual requires the individual to reside in such residential unit. If a person residing within such residential unit submits such signed certificate to the administrator pursuant to the provisions of this subsection (2), the portion of such residential property that is utilized by qualified occupants shall be deemed to be property used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit and such portion, but only such portion, shall be exempt under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. The determination as to what portion of such structure is so utilized shall be made by the administrator on the basis of the facts existing on the annual assessment date for such property, and the administrator shall have the authority to determine a ratio which reflects the value of the nonexempt portion of such structure in relation to the total value of the whole structure and the land upon which such structure is located and which is identical to the ratio of the number of residential units occupied by nonqualified occupants to the total number of occupied residential units in such structure.

(2.5) No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption.

(3) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-110. Property – integral part of child care center – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) Property, real and personal, that is used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is used as an integral part of a child care center:

(a) Which is licensed pursuant to part 3 of article 5 of title 26.5;

(b) Which is maintained for the whole or part of a day for the care of five or more children who are not sixteen years of age or older;

(c) Which is not owned or operated for private gain or corporate profit;

(d) The costs of operation of which, including salaries, are reasonable based upon the services and facilities provided and as compared with the costs of operation of any comparable public institution;

(e) Which provides its services to an indefinite number of persons free of charge or at reduced rates equal to five percent of the gross revenues of such child care center or equal to ten percent of the amount of tuition charged by such child care center to the financially needy or charges on the basis of ability to pay;

(f) The operation of which does not materially enhance, directly or indirectly, the private gain of any individual except as reasonable compensation for services rendered or goods furnished; and

(g) The property of which is claimed for exemption does not exceed the amount of property reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of the exempt purpose;

(1.5) (a) No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption.

(b)  If a child care center is operated by a person other than the owner of the property, then the other person’s use of the property is the sole basis for determining whether the property meets the requirements for the exemption set forth in subsection (1) of this section.

(c) To the extent that real property taxes are shared and payable by one or more tenants under the lease of property that are not the child care center, real property taxes otherwise due but for the application of this section are deemed taxes paid by the property owner or the landlord of a property leased in part to the child care center.

(2) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

(3) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to any child care center which is operated for religious purposes and which is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of section 39-3-106 or 39-3-106.5.

39-3-111. Property – used by fraternal or veterans’ organization – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is used by any fraternal organization, as defined in section 24-21-602(18), notwithstanding the requirement that such organization be in existence for a period of five years, or by any veterans’ organization, as defined in section 24-21-602(43) notwithstanding the requirement that such organization be in existence for a period of five years, and the net income derived from the use of such property is irrevocably dedicated to any of the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-110, 39-3-112, or 39-3-113 and to the purpose of maintaining and operating such organization. As used in this section, the term “net income” means all items of revenue and gain minus all items of loss and expense, including amounts reasonably anticipated for future needs, as determined according to the usual method of accounting for such organization. No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption. Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-111.5. Property – health care services – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) Such property is owned by a nonprofit corporation, whether organized under the laws of this state or of another state;

(b) Such property is occupied or used by one or more physician or dentist, or both, licensed to practice medicine or dentistry, as applicable, under the laws of this state for the purpose of the practice of medicine or dentistry;

(c) Such health care services are provided to patients who request such services and the financially needy are only charged for such services based upon the ability to pay; and

(d) The board of county commissioners of the county in which such property is located certifies that a need exists for the provision of such health care services.

(2) The limitations set forth in section 39-3-116 (1) and (2) shall not apply to the use of property pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-112. Definitions – residential property – orphanage – low-income elderly or disabled – homeless or abused – low-income households – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Area median income” means the median income of the county in which the property is located in relation to family size, as published annually by the United States department of housing and urban development.

(a.3) “Disabled” means that an individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death or that has lasted for a continuous period of not less than twelve months.

(a.5) “Elderly or disabled low-income residential facility” means a facility, a portion of which is operated as a residential facility for elderly individuals or individuals with disabilities who meet the requirements of sub-subparagraph (A) of subparagraph (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this section, which portion houses only such persons, exclusive of necessary housing facilities for resident managerial personnel, and the rest of which is operated as a health care facility which is licensed by the state of Colorado.

(b) “Family service facility” means a facility that is operated as a residential facility for single-parent families, that houses only such families, exclusive of necessary housing facilities for resident managerial personnel, that provides, in addition to housing, counseling in such areas as career development, parenting skills, and financial budgeting, and that is a child care center licensed pursuant to 26.5-5-309.

(b.3) “Low-income household” means an individual or family whose total income is no greater than thirty percent of the area median income.

(b.5) “Low-income household residential facility” means a facility:

(I) That is operated as a residential facility for low-income households;

(II) For which the published rent schedule includes rents that a low-income household can afford by expending no more than thirty percent of the low-income household’s total income for rent and utilities; and

(III) For which the owner of the facility has shown that the rent for the facility for which the exemption authorized in subsection (2) of this section applies is lower than the rent for a comparable facility for which said exemption does not apply by an amount equal to at least the value of said exemption.

(c) “Transitional housing facility” means a facility that:

(I) Is operated as a residential facility for single individuals or families, or both, who are homeless, who have resided within the past six months in a shelter for the homeless, or who have been abused, and whose incomes are as specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of subparagraph (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this section;

(II) Has as its purpose to facilitate the achievement of independent living by such individuals and families within a twenty-four-month period; and

(III) Provides counseling in such areas as career development, parenting skills, and financial budgeting, whether at such facility or at another location.

(2) Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is residential and is occupied, owned, and operated in accordance with the requirements set forth in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) In order for property to be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant subsection (2) of this section, the administrator must find, pursuant to section 39-2-117, that:

(a) The residential structure is:

(I) Occupied as an orphanage; or

(II) Occupied by:

(A) Single individuals who are sixty-two years of age or older or who are disabled, or a family, the head of which, or whose spouse, is sixty-two years of age or older or is disabled, and whose incomes are within one hundred fifty percent of the limits prescribed for similar individuals or families who occupy low-rent public housing operated by a city or county housing authority which is nearest in distance to such structure; or

(B) Single-parent families whose incomes are as specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (II) and who occupy a family service facility which is owned and operated by an organization which is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to the provisions of section 501 (c) (3) of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended; or

(C) Single individuals or families who occupy a transitional housing facility which is owned and operated by an organization which is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to the provisions of section 501 (c) (3) of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended; or

(D) Low-income households who occupy a low-income household residential facility.

(b) The residential structure is efficiently operated. Efficient operation is determined by the following factors:

(I) That the costs of operation, including salaries, are reasonable based upon the services and facilities provided and as compared with the costs of operation of any comparable public institution;

(II) That such operations do not materially enhance, directly or indirectly, the private gain of any individual except as reasonable compensation for services rendered or goods furnished;

(III) That the property on which the exemption is claimed does not exceed the amount of property reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of the exempt purpose; and

(IV) That the owners and operators of the residential structure have no occupancy requirement that discriminates upon the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, national origin, or ancestry; however, if the owner or sponsoring organization is a religious denomination, said owners or operators may give preference to members of that denomination; and

(c) The property is owned:

(I) By a nonprofit corporation of which:

(A) No part of the net earnings of such corporation inures to the benefit of any private shareholder; and

(B) Property owned by such corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable, religious, or hospital purposes and no portion of its assets will inure to the benefit of any private person upon the liquidation, dissolution, or abandonment of such corporation; or

(II) (A) With respect to residential structures specified in subsections (3)(a)(II)(A), (3)(a)(II)(C), and (3)(a)(II)(D) of this section during any compliance period, as defined by section 42 (i) (1) of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, including any extended use period provided under section 42 of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, by any domestic or foreign limited partnership of which any nonprofit corporation that satisfies the provisions of subsection (3)(c)(I) of this section is a general partner and that was formed for the purpose of obtaining, and has been allocated, low-income housing credits pursuant to section 42 of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended.

(B) For property tax years commencing prior to January 1, 2019, this subsection (3)(c)(II) shall not apply if, during such compliance period, such domestic or foreign limited partnership which owns the residential structure distributes income or has income available for distribution to its partners or if the residential structure is sold or otherwise disposed of during such compliance period. If the administrator determines that, as specified in this subsection (3)(c)(II)(B), income has been distributed or has been available for distribution or the residential property has been sold or otherwise disposed of, the administrator shall revoke the property tax exemption for the residential property and property taxes shall be levied and collected against the residential property, which would have otherwise been levied and collected from the date on which the exemption was initially granted plus all delinquent interest as provided for by law.

(B.5) For property tax years commencint on or after January 1, 2019, this subsection (3)(c)(II) shall not apply if, during such compliance period, such domestic or foreign limited partnership which owns the residential structure distributes income or has income available for distribution to its partners or if the residential structure is sold or otherwise disposed of during such compliance periold.  If the administrator determines that, as specified in this subsection (3)(c)(II)(B.5), income has been distributed or has been available for distribution or the residential property has been sold or otherwise disposed of, the administrator shall either revoke the property tax exemption for the residential property as of the date income becomes available for distribution or terminate the exemption as of the date the property is transferred.

(C) The provisions of this subparagraph (II) shall apply to applications for exemption made pursuant to section 39-2-117 which are filed on and after January 1, 1991, or which are pending on said date; or

(III) (A) With respect to residential structures specified in sub-subparagraphs (A), (C), and (D) of subparagraph (II) of paragraph (a) of this subsection (3), by any domestic or foreign limited partnership of which all of the general and limited partners are nonprofit corporations that satisfy the provisions of subparagraph (I) of this paragraph (c).

(B) The provisions of this subparagraph (III) shall apply to applications for exemption made pursuant to section 39-2-117 which are filed on or after January 1, 1993, or which are pending on said date; or

(IV) (A) With respect to elderly or disabled low-income residential facilities or low-income household residential facilities, during any compliance period, as defined by section 42 (i) (1) of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, including any extended use period provided under section 42 of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, by any domestic or foreign limited partnership so long as each of the general partners of such limited partnership is a for-profit corporation, seventy-five percent or more of the outstanding voting stock of which is owned by, and seventy-five percent or more of the members of the board of directors of which is elected by, one or more nonprofit corporations that satisfy the provisions of subsection (3)(c)(I)  of this section and so long as such limited partnership was formed for the purpose of obtaining, and the structure that is owned by such limited partnership has been allocated, low-income housing credits pursuant to section 42 of the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended.

(B) The provisions of this subparagraph (IV) shall not apply if, during any compliance period: Any of the general partners of the domestic or foreign limited partnership which owns the residential structure specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (IV) cease to meet the requirements specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (IV); the domestic or foreign limited partnership which owns such residential structure distributes cash or other property to its partners; or such residential structure is sold or otherwise disposed of.

(C) Upon a determination by the administrator that any of the events specified in sub-subparagraph (B) of this subparagraph (IV) have occurred, the administrator shall revoke the property tax exemption for the residential facility specified in sub-subparagraph (A) of this subparagraph (IV), and property taxes shall be levied and collected against such residential facility in the amount which would have otherwise been levied and collected from the date on which such exemption was initially granted, and all delinquent interest provided by law shall apply to such taxes.

(D) The provisions of this subparagraph (IV) shall apply to applications for exemption made pursuant to section 39-2-117 which are filed on or after January 1, 1993, or which are pending on such date.

(4) In the event the occupants of the residential structure include both persons who are qualified pursuant to paragraph (a) of subsection (3) of this section and persons who are not qualified, the portion of such residential structure that is utilized by qualified occupants shall be deemed to be property used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit, and such portion, but only such portion, shall be exempt pursuant to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. The determination as to what portion of such structure is so utilized shall be made by the administrator on the basis of the facts existing on the annual assessment date for such property, and the administrator shall have the authority to determine a ratio which reflects the value of the nonexempt portion of such structure in relation to the total value of the whole structure and the land upon which such structure is located and which is identical to the ratio of the number of residential units occupied by nonqualified occupants to the total number of occupied residential units in such structure.

(4.5) No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption.

(5) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

(6) For purposes of processing applications received for the exemption authorized by subsection (2) of this section for low-income household residential facilities, the department of local affairs shall contract with an independent contractor for the performance of the application processing services in accordance with section 24-50-503.5, C.R.S. Said contract shall be limited to a term of one year and shall commence when the exemption for low-income household residential facilities first becomes available.

39-3-112.5. Residential property – homeless – charitable purposes – exempt – limitations.

(1) Property, real and personal, which is used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is residential, is owned by the United States, and is leased by a department or agency of the United States to any nonprofit organization, whether organized under the laws of this state or of another state, for the purpose of housing single individuals or families, or both, who are homeless.

(2) Any exemption shall be allowed pursuant to subsection (1) of this section only upon the delivery to the administrator of a copy of such lease between the agency of the United States and the nonprofit organization and a copy of the rental agreement between the nonprofit organization and the individuals or families to be housed in such property. Such exemption shall be allowed only for the period of time that such residential property is actually used for said purpose, and such nonprofit organization shall immediately notify the administrator when the use of such residential property has changed.

(3) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-113. Residential property – while being constructed – charitable purposes – exemption – limitations.

Property, real and personal, which is owned and used solely and exclusively for strictly charitable purposes and not for private gain or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such property is residential and consists of land and one or more structures which are in the process of being constructed if such property is irrevocably committed to residential use in accordance with the requirements set forth in section 39-3-109 (1) or 39-3-112 (2) and (3). The exemption provided by this section shall terminate on the assessment date subsequent to the issuance of a permit or other authority to occupy such structure or structures. Thereafter, such property shall be subject to the provisions of sections 39-3-109 and 39-3-112. No requirement shall be imposed that use of property which otherwise is exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section shall benefit people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption. Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-113.5.  Property acquired by nonprofit housing provider for low-income housing – use for charitable purposes – exemption – limitations – definitions.

(1)  As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a)  “Area median income” means the median income of any county in which property is located in relation to family size, as published annually by the United States department of housing and urban development.

(a.5) “Community land trust” means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c)(3) of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, and is designed to ensure long-term housing affordability through a shared-equity model by acquiring and maintaining ownership of real property, while selling the improvements to low-to-middle income households for use as a primary residence.

(b)  “Indicators of intent” means off-site activities of a nonprofit housing provider that establish the provider’s specific intent to:

(I)  Use property for the purpose of constructing or rehabilitating housing to be sold to low-income applicants; or

(II)  Sell the property to low-income applicants for the purpose of constructing or rehabilitating housing for the low-income applicants.

(b.5) “Land lease” means a long-term lease used in affordable homeownership properties to lease the real property that is owned by a community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer to the owner of the improvements on the real property and preserve the improvements as an affordable homeownership property.

(c)  “Low-income applicant” means:

(I) For property tax years commencing before January 1, 2024, an individual or family whose total income is no greater than eighty percent of the area median income and who applies to a nonprofit housing provider to assist in the construction and purchase of housing to be constructed by the provider.

(II) For property tax years commencing or after January 1, 2024, an individual or family who both apply to a nonprofit housing provider to purchase an affordable for-sale unit and whose total income is at or below either:

(A) One hundred percent of the area median income of households of the same size in the county in which the housing is located; or

(B) One hundred twenty percent of the area median income of households of the same size in the county  in which the housing is located if the individual or family resides in a county classified as a rural resort community by the division of housing pursuant to section 29-4-1107(1)(d).

(d)  “Nonprofit housing provider” means an organization that is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to section 501 (c) (3) of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, and that has a primary organizational mission of:

(I)  Working with low-income applicants to construct or rehabilitate housing that the organization then sells to the low-income applicants for their residential use; or

(II)  Selling property or improvements to low-income applicants for the low-income applicants’ residential use.

(2)  (a) Subject to the limitations specified in subsection (3) of this section, for property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, real property acquired by a nonprofit housing provider upon which the provider intends to construct or rehabilitate housing to be sold to low-income applicants or which the provider intends to sell to low-income applicants for their residential use is deemed to be being used for strictly charitable purposes, regardless of whether or not there is actual physical use of the property, and shall be exempt from property taxation in accordance with section 5 of article X of the state constitution.

(b) (I) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2024, the property tax exemption described in this section applies from when the nonprofit housing provider claims the exemption, through construction, rehabilitation, or improvement of the property, until the provider sells, tranfers, donates, or leases the property.

(II) If property sold by a nonprofit housing provider to a low-income applicant, the property may qualify for the property tax exemption described in this section until a certificate of occupancy is issued for the property; except that the property may not qualify for the property tax exemption described in this more than one year after the provider sells the property to the low-income applicant.

(c) (I) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, but before January 1, 2024, in determining whether a nonprofit housing provider satisfies the intent requirement of subsection (2)(a) of this section with respect to particular property, the administrator may consider indicators of intent, including but not limited to:

(A)  The establishment by the nonprofit housing provider of a committee or other structure for the purpose of planning the construction or rehabilitation of housing on the property;

(B)  Steps taken by the nonprofit housing provider to obtain any required local government approvals for the construction or rehabilitation of housing on the property;

(C)  Steps taken by the nonprofit housing provider to develop and implement a financing plan for the construction or rehabilitation of housing on the property;

(D)  The hiring of architects, contractors, or other professionals by the nonprofit housing provider in preparation for the actual construction or rehabilitation of housing on the property; and

(E)  The solicitation or acceptance by the nonprofit housing provider of applications from low-income applicants for housing to be constructed or rehabilitated on the property.

(II)  For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2024, in determining whether a nonprofit housing provider satisfies the intent requirements of subsection (2)(a) of this section with respect to particular property, the administrator may consider indicators of intent, including but not limited to:

(A) A land donation agreement between the landowner and the nonprofit housing provider that outlines the purpose of the property donation;

(B) A resolution by the nonprofit housing provider’s board that designates the property for construction or rehabilitation of for-sale affordable housing; or

(C) A resolution by the nonprofit housing provider’s board that approves the purchase of the property for land banking with the purpose of constructing or rehabilitating for-sale affordable housing.

(3) (a) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2011, but before January 1, 2024, the property tax exemption described in this section is subject to the following limitations:

(I)  The exemption may be allowed for a maximum of five consecutive property tax years, beginning with the property tax year in which the nonprofit housing provider obtained title to the property; and

(II)  If the nonprofit housing provider is allowed an exemption for any property tax year and subsequently sells, donates, or leases the property to any person other than a low-income applicant who assisted or will assist in the construction of housing for the applicant’s residential use on the property, the provider shall be liable for all property taxes that the provider did not previously pay due to the exemption.

(b) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2024, the property tax exemption described in this section is subject to the following limitations:

(I) For nonprofit housing providers who have not previously claimed the property tax exemption, the exemption may be allowed for a maximum of ten consecutive property tax years, beginning with the property tax year in which the nonprofit housing provider claimed the exemption;

(II)  For nonprofit housing providers who have previously claimed the property tax exemption, the exemption may be allowed for a maximum of five consecutive property tax years, in addition to the five-year period described in subsection (3)(a)(I) if this section; and

(III) The nonprofit housing provider is liable for all property taxes that the provider did not previously pay due to the exemption if the provider sells, donates, or leases the property to anyone other than:

(A) A low-income applicant who purchased the property; or

(B) A community land trust or nonprofit housing provider intending to sell the improvements on the property to a low-income applicant and lease the underlying land to the low-income applicant through a land lease.

39-3-114. Burden – claim for charitable exemption.

The burden shall be on the owner and operator of any residential property for which an exemption is claimed pursuant to any of the provisions of sections 39-3-109 and 39-3-112 to show facts sufficient to support the exemption claimed. In determining whether or not a particular property is entitled to such an exemption provided for in any of said sections, the administrator may require the owner or operator of such property to annually submit a complete financial report on its operations and may require any occupants whose residential units are claimed to qualify for such exemption to submit copies of their federal or state income tax returns.

39-3-114.5. Charitable exemption – owner claiming federal tax credit – fee in lieu of school district tax.  (Repealed)

39-3-115. Statutes not applicable. 

Nothing in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-114 shall apply to parts 2 and 5 of article 4 of title 29, C.R.S.

39-3-116. Combination use of property – charitable, religious, and educational purposes – exemption – limitations.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, property, real and personal, which is used, or owned and used, as applicable, by the owner thereof or by any other person or organization solely and exclusively for any combination of the purposes specified in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, subject to the limitations and requirements in said sections, is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax. No requirement shall be imposed that use of property that is otherwise exempt pursuant to any of said sections shall benefit the people of Colorado in order to qualify for said exemption. Property that is otherwise exempt pursuant to the provisions of this section is subject to the provisions of section 39-3-129 relating to the proportional valuation of exempt property if such property is partially leased, loaned, or otherwise made available for a portion of any calendar year to any business conducted for profit.

(2) Except as set forth in subsection (2.5) of this section, in the event that such property is used by any person or organization other than the owner:

(a) The use of the property by the owner, if any, must qualify pursuant to the provisions of this section or pursuant to any of the provisions of sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5, and, in addition, the owner must qualify for an exemption pursuant to the provisions of section 39-2-117;

(b) The use of the property by the person or organization other than the owner is a use described in the provisions of this section or in any of the provisions of sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5 or such person or organization is otherwise exempt from the payment of property taxes; and

(c) The amount received by the owner for the use of such property specified in sections 39-3-107 to 39-3-113.5, other than from any shareholder or member of the owner or from any person or organization controlled by an organization which also controls such shareholder or member, must not exceed one dollar per year plus an equitable portion of the reasonable expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the property so used. For purposes of this paragraph (c), reasonable expenses include interest expenses, depreciation, long-term maintenance expenses allowed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, capital expenses dedicated to refurbishing the property, and expenses incurred to allow the property to conserve energy, water, or other natural resources, but do not include any amount expended to reduce debt.

(2.5) Subsection (2) of this section does not apply to property that is used as an integral part of a child care center operated by a person or organization other than the owner of the property and that qualifies for an exemption under section 39-3-110.

(3) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-117. Cemeteries – not-for-profit – exemption.

Cemeteries not used or held for private or corporate profit shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-118. Intangible personal property – exemption.

Intangible personal property shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax. For purposes of this section, “intangible personal property” shall include, but is not limited to, computer software.

39-3-118.5. Business personal property – exemption.

(1) For property tax years commencing on and after January 1, 1996, business personal property shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax until such business personal property is first used in the business after acquisition.

(2) For the property tax year commencing on January 1, 2021, any county, municipality, or special district may exempt from its levy and collection of property tax up to one hundred percent of any business personal property.

39-3-118.7. Community solar garden – partial business personal property tax exemption – definitions.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Community solar garden” has the same meaning as set forth in section 40-2-127(2)(b)(I)(A), C.R.S.

(b) “Subscriber” has the same meaning as set forth in section 40-2-127(2)(b)(II), C.R.S.

(2) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2015, but before January 2, 2021, there is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax the percentage of alternating current electricity capacity of a community solar garden that is attributed to residential or governmental subscribers, or to subscribers that are organizations that have been granted property tax exemptions pursuant to sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5.

39-3-119. Inventories – materials and supplies – held for consumption or primarily for sale – exemption.

Inventories of merchandise and materials and supplies that are held for consumption by any business or are held primarily for sale shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax. The property tax administrator shall publish in the manuals, appraisal procedures, and instructions prepared and published pursuant to section 39-2-109 (1) (e) a definition or description of the types of personal property that are “held for consumption by any business” and therefore exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to this section.

39-3-119.5. Personal property – exemption.

(1) For property tax years commencing on and after January 1, 1997, personal property not otherwise exempt from property tax shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if the personal property would otherwise be listed on a single personal property schedule and the actual value of such personal property is less than or equal to the amount set forth in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) (a) The exemption created in subsection (1) of this section shall be up to and including the following amounts:

(I) Two thousand five hundred dollars for property tax years commencing prior to January 1, 2009;

(II) Four thousand dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2009, and January 1, 2010;

(III) Five thousand five hundred dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2012;

(IV) Seven thousand dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2014;

(V) Seven thousand three humdred dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2015, and January 1, 2016;

(VI) Seven thousand four humdred dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2018;

(VII) Seven thousand seven humdred dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2020;

(VIII) Fifty thousand dollars for property tax years commencing on January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022;

(b) (I) (A) Beginning with the property tax year commencing on January 1, 2023, the amount of the exemption created in subsection (1) of this section shall be adjusted biennially to account for inflation since the amount of the exemption last changed pursuant to this subsection (2). On or before November 1, 2022, and each even-numbered year thereafter, the administrator shall calculate the amount of the exemption for the next two-year cycle using inflation for the prior two calendar years as of the date of the calculation. The adjusted exemption shall be rounded upward to the nearest one hundred dollar increment. The administrator shall certify the amount of the exemption for the next two-year cycle and publish the amount on the web site maintained by the division of property taxation in the department of local affairs.

(B) When calculating the exemption amount under subsection (2) (b) (I) (A) of this section, the adminstrator shall do another calculation in the same manner by starting from seven thousand nine hundred dollars instead of fifty thousand dollars.  This amount is the alternative exemption amount.

(C) If, under subsection (3) (f) of this section, the state treasurer notifies the administrator that not all counties have received reimbursement warrants for lost property tax revenue for the amounts specified in subsection (3) (d) of this section, then beginning with the property tax year commencing on January 1 that follows the notification, and for all property tax years thereafter, the amount of the exemption in subsection (1) of this section is the alternative exemption amount.  Thereafter, the alternative exemption is adjusted biennially to account for inflation in the same manner as set forth in subsection (2) (b) (I) (A) of this section, and the adminstrator shall certify the amount of the exemption for the next two-year cycle and publish the amount on the website maintained by the division of property taxation in the department of local affairs.

(II) As used in subsubsection (2)(b)(I) of this section, “inflation” means the annual percentage change in the United States department of labor, bureau of labor statistics, consumer price index for Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, all items, all urban consumers, or its successor index.

(3) (a) (I) For the property tax year commencing on January 1, 2021, each assessor shall calculate the aggregate value of exempt business personal property within the county based on the property that is listed on schedules for the property tax year with a total value that is more than seven thousand nine hundred dollars and less than or equal to fifty thousand dollars.

(II) For the property tax year commencing on January 1 2021, each treasurer shall calculate the total property tax revenues lost by all local governmental entities within the treasurer’s county based on the exempt business personal property amount calculated in accordance with subsection (3) (a) (I) of this section.

(b) No later than February 1, 2022, and each February 1 thereafter the administrator shall calculate the percentage increase or decrease in total valuation of business personal property in the state over the prior two property tax years.  The administrator shall publish the percentage increase or decrease on the website maintained by the division of property taxation in the department of local affairs.

(c) (I) For the property tax years commencing on January 1, 2022,and each year thereafter, each assessor shall calculate an estimate of the aggregate value of exempt business personal property for the county and each local governmental entity located within the county that is equal to the applicable baseline exemption total adjusted by the growth factor for each property tax year commencing on and after January 1, 2022.

(II) For the property tax years commencing on January 1 2022, and each year thereafter, each treasurer shall calculate the total property tax revenues lost by all local governmental entities within the treasurer’s county based on the estimate of exempt business personal property amount calculated in accordance with subsection (3) (c) (I) of this section.

(III) As used in this subsection (3) (c), unless the context otherwise requires:

(A) “Baseline exemption total” means the aggregate value of the exempt business personal property calculated in accordance with subsection (3) (a) (I) of this section for a county or a local governmental entity located within the county as of January 1, 2021.

(B) “Growth factor” means the percentage increase or decrease that the administrator publishes for a property tax year in accordance with subsection (3) (b) of this section.

(d) No later than March 1, 2022, and each March 1 thereafter, each treasurer shall report the amount specified in subsection (3) (a) (II) or (3) (c) (II) of this section, as applicable, and the basis for the amount to the administrator, and the administrator may require a treasurer to provide additional information as necessary to evaluate the amount reported. The administrator shall confirm that the reported amount is correct or rectify the amount, if necessary. The administrator shall then forward the correct amount for each county to the state treasurer to enable the state treasurer to issue a reimbursement  warrant to each treasurer in accordance with subsection (3) (e) of this section.

(e) No later than April 15, 2022, and April 15 of each year thereafter, the state treasurer shall issue a warrant to be paid upon demand from the general fund to each treasurer that is equal to the amount specified by the administrator for the county under subsection (3)(d) of this section. Each treasurer shall distribute the total amount received from the state treasurer to the local governmental entities within the treasurer’s county as if the revenues had been regularly paid as property tax. When distributing the money, the treasurer shall provide each local governmental entity with a statement of the amount distributed to the local governmental entity that represents the reimbursement received under this subsection (3) (e).

(f) No later than May 1, 2022, and May 1 of each year thereafter, the state treasurer shall notify the administrator whether all counties have received a reimbursement warrant for lost property tax revenue for the amounts specified in subsection (3)(d) of this section.

(g) This subsection (3) does not apply if the amount of the exemption created in subsection (1) of this section is the alternative exemption amount as required by subsection (2) (b) (I) (C) of this section.

39-3-120. Livestock – exemption.

Livestock shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-121. Agricultural and livestock products – exemption.

Agricultural and livestock products shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-122. Agricultural equipment used in production of agricultural products – exemption.

(1) Agricultural equipment that is used on any farm or ranch in the production of agricultural products is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

(2) On and after January 1, 2023, but prior to January 1, 2028, agricultural equipment that is used in any CEA facility is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-123. Works of art, literary materials, and artifacts – on loan – exemption – limitations – definitions.

(1) Works of art, literary materials, and artifacts shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if such works of art, literary materials, and artifacts are loaned to and are in the custody and control of:

(a) The state or a political subdivision thereof; or

(b) A library or any art gallery or museum which is owned or operated by a charitable organization whose property is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes and whose assets shall not inure to the benefit of any private person upon the liquidation, dissolution, or abandonment by the owner, and which uses such works of art, literary materials, and artifacts for charitable purposes. This exemption shall apply only for the period of time during which such works of art, literary materials, and artifacts are actually on loan and shall be in addition to such exemptions provided for in sections 39-3-108 to 39-3-113.5.

(2) Any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-5-113.5.

(3) For purposes of subsection (1) of this section:

(a) “Artifacts” means items of personal property which are objects of human workmanship and which have archaeological or historical significance.

(b) “Charitable organization” means a charitable organization as defined in section 39-26-102 (2.5).

(c) “Charitable purposes” means public display, research, educational study, maintenance of property, and preparation for display.

(d) “Literary materials” means items of personal property including, but not limited to, books, letters, diaries, records, documents, memoranda, journals, magazines, and notes.

(e) “Works of art” means works of art as defined in section 39-1-102 (18).

39-3-124. Property used by governmental entity – installment sales or lease-purchase agreement – exemption.

            (1) (a) Property, real and personal, that is used by the state or any of its political subdivisions pursuant to the provisions of any installment sales agreement, financed purchase of an asset agreement, certificate of participation agreement, or any other agreement whereby the state or such political subdivision shall be entitled to acquire title to such property at the end of the agreement term without cost or for only nominal consideration shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.
            (b) (I) (A) Subject to the provisions of sub-subparagraph (b) of this subparagraph (i), on or after January 1, 2009, the part of real property that is used the state, a political subdivision, or a state-supported institution of higher education pursuant to the provisions of any lease or rental agreement for at least a one-year term, with or without an option to purchase, and pursuant to which the subject property is used for purposes of the state, political subdivision, or institution of higher education, as applicable, shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.  If the state or any political subdivision or state-supported institution of higher education enters into a lease or rental agreement or is already in a lease or rental agreement on or after January 1, 2009, and is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to this section, the state, political subdivision, or state-supported institution of higher education, as applicable, shall file a copy of the lease or rental agreement with the county assessor’s office.  The state or a political subdivision or institution of higher education shall notify the county assessor’s office in the event that the lease or rental agreement is terminated prior to the term stated in such lease or rental agreement.  Nothing in this paragraph (b) shall affect property tax exemptions allowed pursuant to section 8-82-104, 22-32-127, 29-4-227, 30-11-104.2, 31-15-802, or 43-1-214, C.R.S.
(B) The state, a political subdivision, 0r a state-supported institution of higher education shall reduce, deduct, or offset property taxes from rent due under any lease or rental agreement pursuant to sub-subparagraph (a) of this subparagraph (i). Upon receipt of a lease or rental agreement for the state, a political subdivision, or a state supported institution of higher education, the county assessor shall send a notice to the landlord acknowledging receipt of the lease or rental agreement. The notice shall identify the property, the property address, and the parties to the lease or rental agreement.
(C) To the extent that real property taxes are shared and payable by one or more tenants under the lease of property that are not the state, a political subdivision, or a state-supported institution of higher education, real property taxes otherwise due but for the application of this paragraph (b) shall be deemed taxes paid by the property owner or the landlord of a property leased in part to the state, a political subdivision, or a state-supported institution of higher education.
(D) Only a tenant that is the state, a political subdivision, or a state-supported institution of higher education shall receive any benefit related to the tenant’s property tax-exempt status pursuant to this paragraph (b).
(E) It is the general assembly’s intent that the application of this paragraph (b) be cost-neutral in that the tax reduction and the rent reduction pursuant to this paragraph (b) are equal.
         (II) For purposes of this paragraph (b), “state-supported institution of higher education” includes, but need not be limited to, all postsecondary institutions in the state supported in whole or in part by state funds, including junior colleges and community colleges, extension programs of the state-supported universities and colleges, local district colleges, area technical colleges, and the institutions governed by the regents of the University of Colorado.

(2) A leasehold interest in real or personal property that is owned by the state or by a political subdivision of the state and that has been leased to a private person, the use and possession of which has been leased back to the state or a political subdivision of the state, shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax during the term of the use and possession of the property by the state or a political subdivision of the state. Property that is the subject of a leveraged leasing agreement executed by the state or by a political subdivision of the state shall be treated as tax-exempt property owned by the state for purposes of any state or local tax.

(3) The lease of property by a political subdivision of the state to a private person and the sublease of the property back to the political subdivision of the state pursuant to a leveraged leasing agreement shall not cause the private person to whom the property has been leased to incur any liability in tort by virtue of the private person’s status as a lessor under the leveraged leasing agreement.

39-3-125. Church property – used as residence – exemption – limitation. (Repealed)

39-3-126. Horticultural improvements – exemption – limitation – exception.

Any increase in value of privately owned lands resulting from the planting of trees shall not be taken into account in determining the actual value of such lands for a period of thirty years from the date of planting such trees. This section shall apply to all lands so planted; however, in the event that any trees become sufficiently mature as to be of economic use and value prior to the expiration of thirty years, any increase in use and value shall be thereafter taken into account in determining the actual value of such lands.

39-3-126.5. Mobile homes – low-value – exemption – legislative declaration – definition.

(1) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(a) Mobile homes are unique properties that are subject to the ad valorem tax as if they are real property, but the tax is collected as if they are personal property;

(b) The actual value of mobile homes can be quite low compared to other residential real property improvements;

(c) For these low-value mobile homes, the actual collection costs attributable to a county assessor and county treasurer may exceed the total amount of taxes collected;

(d) If the taxes owed on these mobile homes become delinquent, then all of the additional collections costs may exceed the taxes owed; and

(e) This exemption will only have a de minimis impact on local government revenues.

(2) As used in this section, “mobile home” means a mobile home as defined in section 39-1-102 (8) or a “manufactured home” as defined in section 39-1-102 (7.8) and, in either case, for which a certificate of title has been issued pursuant to part 1 of article 29 of title 38 and that does not have a certificate of permanent location pursuant to section 38-29-202.

(3) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2022, a mobile home with an actual value that is less than or equal to twenty-eight thousand dollars is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax.

39-3-127. County fair property – exemption – limitation.

Property, real and personal, of any association duly organized pursuant to the laws of this state for the purpose of holding county fairs to promote and advance the interests of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, home economics, and the mechanical attributes thereof shall be exempt from the levy and collection of property tax so long as such property is actually and exclusively used for said purpose and not for pecuniary profit.

39-3-127.5. Qualifying business entities – participation in federal tax credit transactions – exemption – requirements – definitions.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Qualified business entity” means a limited partnership or a limited liability company

(I) That is formed for the purpose of obtaining federal tax credits and that does obtain such credits; and

(II) The general partner or managing member of which is an entity that would qualify for property tax exemption under sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5.

(2) For property tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014, real and personal property is exempt from the levy and collection of property tax if:

(a) The property tax is owed by a qualified business entity; and

(b) The property is used for the purposes described in sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5 and 39-3-116.

(3) In addition to any other requirement specified in this section, any exemption claimed pursuant to the provisions of this section must also comply with section 39-2-117.

39-3-127.7. Community land trust property – nonprofit affordable homownership developer property – exemption – requirements – legislative declaration – definitions.

(1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that:

(I) The cost of homeonwership has risen dramatically in Colorado: From December 2020 to December 2022, the median home value in Colorado increased over thirty percent;

(II) Entry-level homeownership options are increasingly unavailable, and community land trusts and nonprofit affordable homeownership developers are playing an increasingly large role in helping low- and middle-income Coloradans access homeownership; and

(III) Compared to tools used to incentivize affordable rental housing, such as the low-income housing tax credit, there are fewer tools to incentivize the creation of affordable for-sale housing.

(b) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly to provide a limited property tax exemption to community land trusts and nonprofit affordable homeownership developers in certain circumstances.

(2) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Affordable homeownership property” means an dwelling that:

(I) Is restricted by a deed that impacts ownership of the property, limits the property’s resale price, requires a long-term land lease with a community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer, or imposes any other restriction that limits the property such that it may only be purchased by designated households, a community land trust, or a nonprofit affordable homeownership developer;

(II) Is sold to a household who at the time of purchase is at or below one hundred percent of the area median income of households of that same size in the county in which the housing is located; and

(III) Is sold to a purchaser to be used as a primary residence.

(b) “Community land trust” means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c)(3) of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, and is designed to ensure long-term housing affordability through a shared-equity model by acquiring and maintaining ownership of real property, while selling the improvement to low-to-middle income households for use as a primary residence.

(c) “Improvement” means a permanent change to real property that augments the real property’s value including but not limited to a single-family home, townhome, or condominium.

(d) “Land lease” means a long-term lease used in affordable homeownership properties to lease the real property that is owned by a community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer to the owner of the improvements on the real property and preserve the improvements as an affordable homeownership property.

(e) “Nonprofit affordable homeownership developer” means an organization that is exempt from federal income tax pursuant to section 501 (c)(3) of the federal “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”, as amended, and that has a primary organizational mission of providing for-sale affordable housing units to low-to-middle income households for use as a primary residence.

(3) (a) For property tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2024, real property is deemed to be used for a strictly charitable purpose, and is exempt from property taxation in accordance with section 5 of article X of the state constitution, if the real property:

(I) is held by either a community land trust or a nonprofit affordable homeownership developer;

(II) Has been split into a separate taxable parcel from the improvements; and

(III) Is leased to the owner of the improvements as an affordable homeownership property.

(b) The real property described in subsection (3)(a) of this section is deemed to be used for a strictly charitable purpose, and is exempt from property taxation in accordance with section 5 of article X of the state constitution, until the real property is no longer used as an affordable homeownership property.

(4) If a community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer claims a property tax exemption pursuant to this section for a real property and then subsequently sells, donates, or leases that real property so that the real property no longer qualifies as an affordable homeownership property, the community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer is liable for all property taxes for the real property for the property tax years when the real property did not qualify as an affordable homeownership property and during which the community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer did not pay property taxes for the real property due to the property tax exemption described in this section.

(5) Improvements on real property that qualifies for the property tax exemption described in this section are not exempt from property taxation.

(6) A community land trust or nonprofit affordable home ownership developer that owns real property that qualifies for the property tax exemption described in this section shall submit the land lease for each real property that qualifies for the property tax exemption described in this section to the appropriate county assessor within twenty-five days of the initial execution of the land lease.

(7)  Any community land trust or nonprofit affordable homeownership developer that claims a property tax exemption pursuant to this section shall comply with the provisions of section 39-2-117.

39-3-128. Exempt property listed and valued.

It is the duty of the assessor to list, appraise, and value all real property exempted from the levy and collection of property tax pursuant to the provisions of sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5 or 39-3-116 and such information shall be entered in the same detail as required for taxable property.

39-3-129. Proportional valuation – exempt property.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, whenever any real property that was previously taxable becomes legally exempt from the levy and collection of property tax or any real property that was previously legally exempt from the levy and collection of property tax becomes taxable, the valuation for assessment of the real property shall be a proportion of the valuation for assessment of the real property for the entire taxable year based upon the ratio of the portion of the taxable year in which the property is taxable to the entire taxable year. In the event the real property is partially leased, loaned, or otherwise made available to and used by a business conducted for profit, the determination as to what portion of the real property is so utilized shall be made by the administrator on the basis of the facts existing on the annual assessment date for the real property. The administrator shall have the authority to determine the actual value of the nonexempt portion of the property in relation to the actual value of the entire property by using the ratio of the squarefoot area of the property utilized by the business conducted for profit to the total squarefoot area of the property. Where shown to be more appropriate, in order to determine the relationship between the actual value of the nonexempt portion of the property and the actual value of the total property, the administrator may employ the ratio of the portion as measured in hours of any calendar year in which the property is leased, loaned, or otherwise made available to and used by any business conducted for profit to the entire calendar year.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not be applicable to household furnishings.

39-3-130. Change in tax status of property – effective date – tax liability.

(1) (a) (I) Whenever any real property that was previously taxable becomes legally exempt from the levy and collection of property tax for any reason, the person conveying the real property shall be relieved from all further tax obligations with respect to the real property on the date title thereto is conveyed by agreement or on the date title thereto is conveyed pursuant to a court order.

(II) On and after January 1, 1996, whenever any personal property that was previously taxable becomes legally exempt from the levy and collection of property tax for any reason, the exempt status shall become effective on the assessment date following the change in status. If the change in status occurred due to the conveyance of the personal property, the person conveying the personal property shall not be relieved of any tax obligation with respect to the personal property for the property tax year in which the conveyance occurred.

(b) (I) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, whenever any real property that was previously exempt from the levy and collection of property tax becomes taxable, the person acquiring title to the real property shall be liable for subsequent tax obligations with respect to the real property on the date title thereto is acquired by the person.

(II) On and after January 1, 1996, except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section, whenever any personal property that was previously exempt from the levy and collection of property tax becomes taxable, the taxable status shall become effective on the assessment date following the change in status. If the change in status occurred due to conveyance of the personal property, the person acquiring title to the personal property shall not be liable for any tax obligation with respect to the personal property for the property tax year in which the conveyance occurred.

(2) Whenever any personal property consisting of inventory, as defined in section 39-1-102 (7.2), becomes taxable because the personal property has become subject to a lease or rental agreement, the lessor shall not be responsible for any tax obligation on the property for the property tax year in which the agreement was executed.

39-3-131. Entire property becomes tax-exempt.

Whenever any property which was previously taxable becomes exempt from the levy and collection of property tax, the treasurer shall accept payment of property taxes levied on such property for the current taxable year. The amount of such property taxes shall be calculated on the basis of the property tax levy on such property in the preceding taxable year and prorated to the date upon which title to such property was conveyed.

39-3-132. Portion of property becomes tax-exempt.

Whenever only a portion of a parcel, tract, or lot of real property which was previously taxable becomes exempt from the levy and collection of property tax for any reason, the treasurer may, upon the basis of an appraisal and computation of the valuation for assessment of such property by the assessor, either collect the property taxes thereon for the current taxable year, calculated on the basis of the property tax levy on such property during the preceding taxable year and prorated to the date upon which title to such property was conveyed, or, if the treasurer is satisfied that there is sufficient taxable real property remaining to satisfy any lien for the amount of property taxes payable on such portion, he may defer collection of the property taxes until the following taxable year. In the event the prorated taxes on such portion are collected, the owner of the remainder of such real property shall be credited with the full amount of taxes collected when the property tax levy for the current taxable year has been fixed and made and the correct amount of property taxes determined.

39-3-133. Payment of property taxes extinguishes lien.

Payment to the treasurer of prorated property taxes for the current taxable year, as provided for in sections 39-3-131 and 39-3-132, together with payment of any other unpaid property taxes, delinquent interest, or charges thereon, shall extinguish the lien for property taxes on such property, or a portion thereof; however, if only a portion of any parcel, tract, or lot of real property becomes exempt from the levy and collection of property tax and no property taxes are collected at that time, the lien of property taxes levied or to be levied shall attach to the remaining portion of such real property

39-3-134. Condemnation by tax-exempt agency – duties of treasurer.

In all cases where an entire property, or a portion of any parcel, tract, or lot of real property, is likely to become exempt from the levy and collection of property tax through exercise of the power of eminent domain, the treasurer shall be joined as a party respondent in any such eminent domain action, and, upon joinder and notice of the proceedings, the treasurer shall assert a claim for the amount of any prorated property taxes for the current taxable year on such property, and all other unpaid property taxes, delinquent interest, or charges thereon, with the clerk of the court in which the proceedings are filed. Upon institution of any such proceedings, the lien of property taxes levied and to be levied shall be transferred from the real property acquired or sought to be acquired to any money awarded or to be awarded for the taking of such real property. Nothing in this section shall require any treasurer to file a claim in any such proceedings involving acquisition of only a portion of any real property if the treasurer is satisfied that there is sufficient taxable real property remaining after the taking of such portion to satisfy any lien for the amount of property taxes payable on such portion taken.

39-3-135. Taxation of exempt property – taxes not to become lien. (Repealed)

39-3-136. Legislative declaration – taxation of exempt property – possessory interests. (Repealed)

39-3-137.  Organizations with tax exempt status – forgiveness of taxes owed.

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, any organization that, as of the effective date of this subsection (1), owes taxes that have been levied on real or personal property shall not be required to pay the balance of the taxes owed on or after the effective date of this subsection (1), if the organization meets the following requirements:

(a) The organization is a religious, charitable, or educational organization exempt from general taxation on real and personal property pursuant to sections 39-3-106 to 39-3-113.5 and 39-3-116;

(b) The organization has, before the effective date of this section, filed an application for exemption and been granted an exemption from general taxation on real and personal property pursuant to section 39-2-117;

(c) The organization has, before the effective date of this section and after receiving an exemption from property tax, filed an annual report required for the continuation of property tax-exempt status pursuant to section 39-2-117(3), but the report was determined to be incomplete or otherwise incorrect when filed; and

(d) The organization, as a result of the incomplete or incorrect report referenced in paragraph (c) of this sub section( 1), was denied tax-exempt status for one or more property tax years and received a property tax bill for such year or years.

(2) Any waiver of the balance of taxes owed by an organization pursuant to subsection (1) of this section shall be contingent upon the reestablishment of the organization’s tax-exempt status by the property tax administrator, as authorized by the state board of equalization.

(3) The state board of equalization may authorize the property tax administrator to reestablish tax-exempt status for any organization that meets the criteria specified in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) of this section and that paid all or any portion of a property tax bill for a year or years in which the organization was denied tax-exempt status.

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