Las Animas Property Tax: Rates, Payments & Assessor Help

Las Animas Property Tax rates for 2026 combine a 6.25 % local levy and a 7.05 % school levy, creating a combined mill levy of 9.372 mills as adopted by the county budget. The Las Animas county tax assessor office at 200 East 1st Street, Trinidad, CO 81082 answers calls at (719) 846‑2295 and emails Jodi Amato at jodi.amato@lasanimascounty.org for valuation questions, exemption eligibility, and appeal guidance. Homeowners can access the Las Animas property tax calculator online via the TaxWeb portal to estimate payments, view the 2026 property tax schedule, and set up electronic payment plans or paper check submission before the March 15 first‑half deadline. The county tax collector’s team also lists senior citizen tax relief programs, farm and vacant‑land assessments, and commercial property tax obligations, making it easy to determine credits, deductions, and any applicable tax lien sales.

Las Animas Property Tax bills arrive according to the county’s mailing schedule, and delinquent accounts follow a clear property tax delinquency process that includes notice, penalty, and potential foreclosure. Taxpayers interested in a property tax appeal can submit a request through the assessor’s portal, referencing the 2023 assessment response and supporting market data. The county offers tax exemption eligibility for veterans, seniors, and agricultural owners, plus a homeowner tax credit that reduces the overall bill. For those facing hardship, payment plans and refund procedures are handled by the tax collector’s office, reachable at (719) 846‑3314, ensuring residents stay current without surprise penalties.

Search Las Animas County Property Tax

The Las Animas County property tax search process begins at the public records portal operated for the County Assessor. Residents can access ownership records, assessed values, tax history, exemption status, and payment status through the portal using a parcel number, owner name, or property address lookup. The official portal is maintained by the County Assessor’s office and works in modern browsers without requiring a registered account.

Refer to the official County Assessor website for the current portal URL and access instructions.

The portal displays real estate parcels, mobile homes, personal property accounts, and senior exemption status for parcels in the county. The portal accepts partial name searches and wildcards, helping locate property when spelling varies across historic records. Tax records display valuations from prior tax years alongside the current year for side-by-side comparison.

For deeds, liens, mortgages, easements, and ownership transfers, the County Clerk and Recorder office maintains a separate records system. Records can be searched by document number, recording date, grantor name, or grantee name. Documents are available as image scans and PDF downloads for a per-page fee through the Clerk’s office.

Las Animas County Assessor Office Duties

The Las Animas County Assessor is the elected official responsible for valuing every parcel of real property in the county. The office discovers, lists, and classifies property each year, then assigns a value based on market data, cost approaches, and income approaches. Assessor Jodi Amato leads a team of certified appraisers, data analysts, and land administrators who carry out the statutory duties under Colorado law.

Core assessor responsibilities include the following duties:

• Maintain the property record card for every parcel in the county
• Apply the correct assessment rate based on property classification
• Track ownership changes reported by the Clerk and Recorder
• Process exemption applications for seniors, veterans, and disabled persons
• Mail valuation notices to property owners each spring
• Defend values before the County Board of Equalization when appeals are filed

The assessor does not set the tax rate or collect property tax payments. The Board of County Commissioners, school district boards, and special district boards set the mill levy, and the County Treasurer collects the resulting bills. The assessor only determines the value side of the equation and the classification of every parcel.

How Property Tax Rates Are Calculated

The property tax bill equals the assessed value multiplied by the combined mill levy for all taxing entities serving the property. Colorado uses a two-step process where the assessor first calculates actual value based on the market, then applies an assessment rate set by the state legislature. The 2026 tax year (payable in 2026) introduced two residential rates under HB 24B-1001, separating the school portion from the local government portion.

Bill calculation follows this formula:

1. Determine the actual value of the property using market evidence
2. Multiply by the assessment rate for the property classification
3. Result equals the assessed value for tax purposes
4. Multiply assessed value by the mill levy expressed in decimal form
5. Result equals the annual property tax bill

For a home with an actual value of $300,000 in the 2026 tax year, the school portion uses 7.05% and the local government portion uses 6.25%. The bill for each portion gets calculated separately and then combined into one statement mailed by the County Treasurer. The total levy stacks on top of the valuation, which means a small change in either number can shift the final bill by hundreds of dollars.

Property Classification and Assessment Rates

Colorado classifies property into several categories, each with its own statutory assessment rate. The state legislature sets these rates, and counties must apply them uniformly across the entire county. Classification matters because even identical market values produce different tax bills based on the category assigned by the Assessor.

Assessment rates for the 2026 tax year (payable 2026) include two residential rates set under HB 24B-1001:

State statutory assessment rates apply to other property classes such as commercial, industrial, agricultural, vacant land, and personal property. Property owners should consult the County Assessor or the Colorado Department of Revenue for the current rates applicable to non-residential classifications.

The 2026 split into two residential rates (school at 7.05% and non-school at 6.25%) marked a major change from the previous single rate structure. Property owners should review their valuation notices carefully because the school portion now applies a higher percentage even when the total market value did not change. The split-rate system can push residential bills higher even on properties that did not see an actual value increase.

Current Mill Levy and Tax Rates

The Las Animas County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 budget on December 16, 2026, setting the county mill levy at 9.372 mills. The total mill levy combines county government, school district, and special district rates into a single combined figure. Most parcels inside the Trinidad city limits carry higher combined rates because city services add their own mill levy to the total.

Effective tax rates reported by third-party sources vary by area within the county. Las Animas city shows an effective rate of 0.33% of market value, Hoehne shows 0.36%, and Pritchett shows 0.54%. These rates apply to the actual value and include all combined mill levies. Median property tax in Las Animas County runs $535 per year on a median home value of $237,600, ranking 68% lower than the Colorado state average.

Property Tax Payment Schedule

Colorado property tax bills arrive in January each year for the prior tax year’s assessment. Taxpayers pay the bill in two installments, with the first half and second half due on dates set by state statute. Counties may extend the first-half deadline during severe weather events or administrative delays.

The Las Animas County Treasurer extended the first-half deadline to March 15 in a recent year without penalty for taxpayers. Property owners should watch for the official notice from the Treasurer each January confirming the current year’s deadlines. Bills not paid by the deadline begin accruing penalties at the rate set by state statute.

How to Pay Property Taxes

The Las Animas County Treasurer accepts payments in person, by mail, and through online channels. Each method has different processing times and convenience levels. Choosing the right method helps avoid late penalties and ensures proper credit to the correct parcel number on file with the Assessor.

Payment options include the following channels:

• In person at the Treasurer’s office inside the county courthouse
• Mail a check or money order to the Treasurer’s mailing address
• Online through the county payment portal using a credit card or e-check
• Drop box at the courthouse for after-hours payment
• Automatic bank draft enrollment for taxpayers who prefer scheduled payments

Card payments typically carry a convenience fee charged by the payment processor, not the county itself. E-check fees are lower than credit card fees and clear faster. Property owners who pay late face penalties and interest at the rates set by state statute.

Property Tax Exemptions and Relief

Las Animas County administers several property tax exemptions that reduce the taxable value of qualifying property. The senior exemption, veteran exemption, and disabled person exemption each carry specific eligibility requirements set by the state. Applications must be filed with the Assessor by the statutory deadline to take effect for the current tax year.

Available exemption programs include:

The senior exemption requires income verification, and disabled veterans must provide VA documentation of their disability rating. The Assessor reviews each application and mails a determination letter. Approved exemptions stay in place until the owner reports a change in circumstances to the Assessor’s office. Contact the Assessor for current eligibility thresholds and savings amounts.

Senior Citizen Tax Relief

The Property Tax Deferral Program allows qualifying seniors to defer payment of property taxes until the property is sold or the estate is settled. The state holds a lien on the property for the deferred amount plus accrued interest. This program helps seniors on fixed incomes stay in their homes despite rising tax bills each year.

Deferral program requirements include age, ownership duration, occupancy, and income qualifications set by the state Department of Revenue. The specific thresholds change annually. Property owners should file the deferral application with the County Assessor by the statutory deadline.

Interest accrues on deferred amounts at a rate set by the state and compounds annually. The lien gets repaid when the owner dies, sells the property, or transfers ownership. Many seniors combine the senior exemption with the deferral program to reduce both the annual bill and the cash outlay required each tax season.

Homeowner Tax Credit Eligibility

Colorado offers a property tax credit for seniors and disabled veterans who own and occupy their primary residence. The credit applies against the state income tax liability rather than reducing the property tax bill directly. Las Animas County residents can claim the credit when filing Colorado income tax returns through the Department of Revenue.

Credit eligibility factors include age, disability status, ownership duration, and income limits set by the state for the credit year. The specific thresholds change annually. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue for current eligibility requirements.

The credit amount varies based on income and the amount of property tax paid. Residents should file the credit claim form with their Colorado income tax return each year. The Department of Revenue reviews the claim and applies the credit to the taxpayer’s state tax liability or refunds any excess amount.

Property Tax Appeals Process

Property owners who disagree with the assessed value can file an appeal with the County Board of Equalization (CBOE). The appeal window opens after the Assessor mails valuation notices in May and closes on the date set by state statute. Appeals filed late get rejected unless the owner shows good cause for missing the statutory deadline.

Follow these steps to file a property tax appeal:

1. Review the Notice of Valuation mailed by the Assessor in May
2. Compare your value to similar properties using the Assessor’s public records
3. Gather supporting evidence such as sales data, photos, and repair estimates
4. File a written appeal with the CBOE before the statutory deadline
5. Attend the hearing scheduled by the CBOE
6. Receive a written decision from the CBOE
7. Appeal further to the Board of Assessment Appeals or district court if needed

Successful appeals typically focus on factual errors, comparable sales below the assessed value, or physical problems that reduce market value. Owners can represent themselves at the CBOE hearing or hire a property tax agent for a contingency fee based on savings achieved. The CBOE has authority to reduce, sustain, or increase the Assessor’s original valuation.

Property Tax Delinquency

Property taxes become delinquent if the second-half payment is not received by the date set by state statute. The Treasurer adds penalties plus interest on the unpaid amount at rates set by state law. After the delinquency date passes, the Treasurer prepares a list of delinquent properties for the Board of County Commissioners.

Delinquency progression includes the following stages:

• Penalty applies to the unpaid balance starting the day after the deadline
• Additional penalties accrue each month at the statutory rate
• Lien certification filed with the Board of County Commissioners
• Publication of the delinquent parcel list
• Treasurer’s deed application period opens

Property owners who fall behind should contact the Treasurer’s office immediately. Payment plans spread the back taxes over several months, avoiding the lien and foreclosure process. The Treasurer has discretion to accept partial payments and work out payment arrangements based on the taxpayer’s financial situation.

Tax Lien Sales

Las Animas County holds an annual tax lien sale for properties with delinquent taxes. Investors bid on the liens and pay the delinquent amount to the county on behalf of the property owner. The property owner then has a redemption period to repay the lien plus interest before losing the property to the lien holder.

Lien sale process steps:

1. Treasurer certifies the delinquent list with the Board of County Commissioners
2. Notice gets mailed to property owners at the address on file
3. Notice gets published in the local newspaper of record
4. Sale held at the county courthouse on a date set by the Treasurer
5. Winning bidder pays the delinquent amount to the county
6. Owner has the statutory redemption period to redeem by paying lien amount plus interest
7. After the redemption period expires, the investor can apply for treasurer’s deed

Interest rates on tax liens are set by state law and rank among the highest yields available on real estate-backed investments. Property owners facing a lien should redeem as soon as possible because interest compounds until the lien is paid. The Treasurer’s office can provide the exact payoff amount at any time during the redemption period.

Farm and Agricultural Assessment

Agricultural land in Las Animas County qualifies for a special valuation method based on productivity rather than market value. The Assessor classifies parcels as agricultural when the primary use is producing crops, livestock, or other agricultural products on a commercial scale. Productivity-based valuation typically produces much lower taxable values than market-based valuation for the same parcel.

Agricultural qualification requirements include the following factors:

• Primary use must be agriculture for a continuous period set by state law
• Parcels must meet minimum size thresholds set by the Assessor
• Income from agriculture must be a material portion of total revenue
• Owner must file a Land Classification application with the County Assessor
• Parcel must show evidence of ongoing agricultural activity such as crops, livestock, or hay production

The Colorado legislature updated agricultural assessment rules in recent years to prevent abuse by residential developers seeking lower tax rates. The Assessor now reviews applications more carefully and may disqualify parcels that do not meet the productivity test. Approved agricultural classifications get reclassified when the use changes or the property transfers to non-agricultural ownership.

Vacant Land Property Tax

Vacant land in Las Animas County gets valued at market rate with a state-set assessment rate applied to actual value. Land held for development, recreation, or investment falls into this category. Owners should be aware that holding vacant land carries meaningful annual tax costs even without improvements generating income from the parcel.

Vacant land ownership considerations include the following factors:

• No exemption available for owner occupancy
• Special assessments possible for subdivision infrastructure costs
• Higher market values push annual bills higher each year
• Agricultural use can lower the rate if the land qualifies
• Conservation easement may reduce taxable value on qualifying parcels
• Back taxes on vacant land can trigger quick lien action

Property owners considering buying vacant land in Las Animas County should calculate the annual holding cost before completing the purchase. Tax bills for unimproved parcels can exceed rental income for some property types, especially for recreational lots held for future appreciation. The Assessor’s office can provide an estimate of annual taxes before closing.

Commercial Property Tax

Commercial property in Las Animas County gets assessed at the rate set by state law for non-residential property. The Assessor values commercial property using the income approach, sales comparison approach, and cost approach. Income-producing properties like apartment buildings, retail centers, and offices receive the most scrutiny from the valuation team.

Commercial valuation methods and applications:

Commercial property owners can appeal valuations through the same CBOE process used by residential owners. The evidence burden is higher because commercial valuations involve more complex financial data. Many commercial owners hire property tax consultants for the appeal process, paying a contingency fee only when the appeal produces savings.

Property Records Portal Functions

The County Assessor provides access to property tax records for Las Animas County through an official online portal. The portal works on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones without any software installation. Users can search by parcel ID, owner name, situs address, or subdivision name to locate a specific property.

Property records portal features include:

• Search by parcel ID, owner name, or property address
• View assessed values and tax history for multiple years
• See tax bill status and payment history
• Print duplicate tax bills for recordkeeping
• Check exemption status and approval dates
• Compare properties on the same street or in the same neighborhood

The portal updates regularly with new payments and changes from the Assessor’s office. Property owners who notice errors in the displayed data should contact the Assessor during business hours, as the portal is read-only for public users. Account registration is not required for basic searches and record viewing.

Property Records and Maps

The Las Animas County Clerk and Recorder maintains the official land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and subdivision plats. The records date back to county formation and provide a complete chain of ownership for every parcel. Researchers, title companies, and property buyers use these records to verify ownership and check for encumbrances before closing a real estate transaction.

Record types available at the Clerk’s office:

• Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Releases of lien and partial releases
• Subdivision plats and boundary line adjustments
• Easements and rights of way
• Power of attorney documents and conveyances

Contact the County Clerk and Recorder for index information and document retrieval. The Clerk’s office charges a per-page fee for document copies and certification. Many documents from 1990 forward are available as digital images that can be viewed and printed directly from the search portal.

Property Tax Updates From State Law

Property tax changes in Colorado since 2026 stem from HB 24B-1001, passed by the state legislature during a special session. Counties must implement the law as written, including the new two-rate residential assessment. Local assessors do not have discretion to ignore the state mandate or apply a different rate structure.

Key changes introduced by HB 24B-1001:

• Residential property now has two separate assessment rates
• School portion uses 7.05% of actual value
• Non-school portion uses 6.25% of actual value
• Tax bill calculation splits into two components on the statement
• County computer systems required reprogramming for the split
• Tax notices mailed later than usual during the transition year

The 2026 tax year (payable in 2026) was the first year applying the new rates. The Las Animas County Assessor announced in February 2026 that the new calculation pushed many bills higher and delayed tax statement mailings. Property owners should review their notices carefully to understand how the two-rate system affected their specific bill.

New Home Property Tax Estimates

Buyers of new construction in Las Animas County receive an estimated property tax bill before closing based on the Assessor’s initial valuation. The estimate uses the mill levy in effect at the time of closing and the partial-year assessment for new construction. The full annual amount applies for the next tax year after construction completes.

New construction tax factors include:

• Land value assessed separately from improvements
• Building value based on construction cost or market comparison
• Partial-year assessment for buildings completed mid-year
• Mill levy locked in at the rate for the tax year of completion
• Reassessment possible in the first full year of occupancy

Title companies and lenders typically estimate the annual tax bill using the most recent mill levy and the projected assessed value. Buyers should request a written estimate from the Assessor’s office for new construction to avoid surprises at closing. The first full-year bill arrives in January following the first full calendar year of ownership.

Property Tax Response to Recent Assessments

Property owners who believe their recent assessment does not reflect current market conditions can file an appeal in the year the notice is mailed. The CBOE considers appeals based on evidence presented at the hearing. The Assessor may defend the original value using comparable sales from the relevant time period.

Common reasons for assessment appeals include:

• Comparable homes sold for less than the assessed value
• Physical damage affecting market value
• Errors in property record card data
• Neighborhood decline not yet reflected in the valuation
• Incorrect land area or improvement size

Owners should gather evidence before the appeal hearing, including recent sales of similar properties, photos of any issues affecting value, and contractor estimates for needed repairs. The CBOE may reduce the value, sustain it, or in rare cases increase it based on evidence presented. Decisions of the CBOE can be appealed to the Board of Assessment Appeals or district court.

Payment Plans for Property Taxes

The Las Animas County Treasurer offers payment plans for taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount by the deadline. The plan spreads the balance over several months with a written agreement. Taxpayers who follow the plan avoid additional penalties and prevent the lien certification process from starting.

Payment plan terms include:

• Written agreement signed by the taxpayer and Treasurer
• Monthly installment amount based on the total owed
• Interest continues to accrue on the unpaid balance at the statutory rate
• Missed payments can result in plan cancellation
• Plan balance must be paid before the next tax bill becomes delinquent

Taxpayers who cannot afford the standard payment plan should contact the Treasurer’s office to discuss alternatives. The Treasurer has authority to reduce monthly payments in cases of demonstrated financial hardship. Documentation of income, expenses, and assets may be required to qualify for reduced payment amounts.

Property Tax Refund Process

Property owners who pay their tax bill and later receive a reduction through an appeal or exemption approval can request a refund of the overpaid amount. The refund process is handled by the County Treasurer based on the Assessor’s records. Refunds typically issue after the final determination is made.

Refund request steps:

1. Receive the final determination from the CBOE or Assessor
2. Contact the Treasurer’s office to request a refund calculation
3. Provide proof of the original payment amount
4. Submit a written refund request with supporting documents
5. Wait for the Treasurer to process and issue the refund check
6. Contact the Treasurer’s office if the refund does not arrive within a reasonable time

Refunds for overpayment due to clerical errors are processed quickly without requiring an appeal. Refunds for appeal-based reductions require the CBOE decision to be final before the Treasurer can issue payment. The Treasurer’s office can provide an expected timeline based on the current workload and the specific circumstances of the refund request.

Property Tax Map Resources

Las Animas County maintains GIS mapping resources that show parcel boundaries, ownership lines, and tax district overlays. The maps help property owners visualize their parcel in relation to neighbors, roads, and special districts. The mapping system updates regularly as new surveys and subdivisions are recorded with the Clerk’s office.

Map data available includes:

• Parcel boundaries with dimensions and acreage
• Owner names and mailing addresses
• School district boundaries
• Fire district and sanitation district boundaries
• Flood plain designations where applicable
• Road right-of-way and easement locations

Property owners planning improvements, fences, or accessory buildings should consult the parcel map before starting work. Setback requirements, easement restrictions, and flood plain rules may limit what can be built on the parcel. The Assessor’s office and the Planning Department can provide copies of the relevant maps and overlays for any parcel in the county.

Property Tax Bill Mailing Schedule

The Las Animas County Treasurer mails property tax bills in January each year for the prior tax year’s assessment. Taxpayers who do not receive a bill by mid-January should contact the Treasurer’s office to request a duplicate. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve the owner of the obligation to pay by the deadline.

Mailing schedule considerations include:

• Bills mailed in early to mid-January
• First installment due on the date set by the Treasurer (may be extended)
• Second installment due on the date set by state statute
• Delinquent notices mailed for unpaid second installments
• Lien notices mailed in the following year

Property owners can sign up for electronic delivery of tax bills through the County’s online portal. Electronic delivery avoids postal delays and provides a permanent record of each bill. The Treasurer’s office also accepts electronic payments through the portal, with confirmation provided by email once the payment clears.

Property Tax Deductions Available

Property taxes paid on a primary residence or rental property are deductible on federal Schedule A for taxpayers who itemize deductions. The deduction reduces federal taxable income based on the amount of property tax paid during the year. Colorado does not offer a general property tax deduction on the state return for most homeowners.

Deduction considerations for taxpayers include:

• Itemize deductions on federal Schedule A to claim property tax
• Property tax paid in the tax year counts toward the deduction
• Keep receipts and bank records to document the payment
• Consult a tax professional for rental property deduction treatment

Property owners should keep records of all tax payments, including the bill stubs and bank transaction confirmations. The records support the deduction claim in case of an IRS inquiry. Rental property owners report property tax as a rental expense on Schedule E rather than as an itemized deduction on Schedule A.

County Tax Collector Contact Details

The Las Animas County Treasurer serves as the county tax collector for property tax payments. The Treasurer’s office handles billing, collection, payment plans, refund processing, and tax lien administration. Property owners can contact the Treasurer’s office for any question related to tax payments or delinquency status on a parcel.

Treasurer services include:

• Mailing annual property tax bills
• Processing payments in person, by mail, and online
• Setting up payment plans for delinquent accounts
• Issuing refunds for overpayment or successful appeals
• Certifying delinquent taxes for lien sale
• Conducting the annual tax lien sale

The Treasurer’s office operates under state statute and county policy. Taxpayers who disagree with a Treasurer decision can appeal to the Board of County Commissioners or the state Department of Revenue. The Treasurer cannot adjust the tax rate, valuation, or classification, as those are determined by other officials.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

For the most current contact information for the Las Animas County Assessor, Treasurer, and Clerk and Recorder, property owners should visit the official Las Animas County website or the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Las Animas County Treasurer (confirmed phone number from official communications)
Main Phone: (719) 846-2981

The Las Animas County Assessor (Jodi Amato) and the County Clerk and Recorder can be reached through the official county government website. Contact details for these offices, including current phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses, should be conf

irmed directly with the county before relying on any previously published information. The official Las Animas County government website provides up-to-date contact directories for all county offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Las Animas property tax matters affect every homeowner, business owner, and landholder in the county. Knowing how to locate your bill, pay it on time, and claim any exemptions can save money and avoid penalties. Below are quick answers to the most common questions about Las Animas County tax assessments, payments, and relief options.

How can I look up my Las Animas property tax bill online?

Visit the County Assessor’s public portal at https://lasanimasco-taxweb.tylertech.com/TaxWeb. Enter the parcel number, owner name, or address in the search box. The results show the current assessed value, tax rate, exemptions, and balance due. You can also print a copy of the bill or download a PDF for your records. The site works in any modern browser and does not require a login.

What are the payment options for Las Animas property taxes?

Payments can be made by phone, online, or mail. Call the Treasurer’s office at (719) 846-2981 to pay by credit card or e‑check. Use the online portal at https://portal.coloradocad.org/ for electronic transfers. If you prefer mail, send a check with the payment coupon to 200 East 1st Street, Room 203, Trinidad, CO 81082. All methods accept the full amount or half‑year installments.

Which property tax exemptions are available in Las Animas County?

Homeowners may qualify for the Colorado Property Tax Exemption for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and agricultural land. To apply, complete the exemption form available on the Assessor’s website and submit it by the deadline shown on your bill. Approved exemptions appear on the next tax statement, reducing the taxable value and lowering the bill.

How do I appeal an assessed value in Las Animas?

File an appeal with the County Assessor before the deadline printed on your notice. Gather recent sales data for similar properties, prepare a written statement, and submit the form online via the TaxWeb portal or mail it to 200 East 1st Street, Room 203. The Assessor will schedule a hearing, review evidence, and issue a revised assessment if justified.

What should I do if my Las Animas property tax bill is delinquent?

Contact the Treasurer’s office immediately at (719) 846-2981 to discuss payment plans or penalty waivers. You can arrange a short‑term installment plan online through the Taxpayer Portal. Failure to act may result in a tax lien sale, which the county publishes on its website. Paying early stops the lien and protects your ownership rights.