The Colorado Sales Tax Calculator (2025) helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any city or county in Colorado. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
Colorado Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate sales tax for all counties, cities, and towns in Colorado with accurate rates
Total Amount
Tax Amount
Pre-Tax Amount
Total Tax Rate
Removing Tax: Pre-Tax = Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
The Colorado Sales Tax Calculator helps you quickly determine the sales tax on a purchase in any city or county in Colorado. You can calculate sales tax by adding it to a pre-tax amount or removing it from a total amount.
When adding sales tax:
- Tax Amount = Pre-Tax Amount × Tax Rate
- Total Amount = Pre-Tax Amount + Tax Amount
When removing sales tax:
- Pre-Tax Amount = Total Amount ÷ (1 + Tax Rate)
- Tax Amount = Total Amount – Pre-Tax Amount
Colorado has a state sales tax rate of 2.9%, with additional local taxes that vary by city and county. This calculator combines both state and local tax rates for accurate calculations.
Adding Sales Tax Example
Let’s say you want to calculate sales tax on a $100 product in Denver with a total tax rate of 4.90% (2.9% state + 2% local):
Pre-Tax Amount = $100
Tax Rate = 4.90% or 0.049
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $100 × 0.049 = $4.90
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $100 + $4.90 = $104.90
Removing Sales Tax Example
Now, let’s say you have a total amount of $104.90 and want to calculate the pre-tax amount and tax in Denver:
Total Amount = $104.90
Tax Rate = 4.90% or 0.049
Calculate the pre-tax amount:
Pre-Tax Amount = $104.90 ÷ (1 + 0.049) = $104.90 ÷ 1.049 = $100.00
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $104.90 – $100.00 = $4.90
Different Local Tax Example
In Aspen, the total tax rate is 5.40% (2.9% state + 2.5% local). Let’s calculate tax on a $100 product:
Pre-Tax Amount = $100
Tax Rate = 5.40% or 0.054
Calculate the tax amount:
Tax Amount = $100 × 0.054 = $5.40
Calculate the total amount:
Total Amount = $100 + $5.40 = $105.40
Colorado Sales Tax Rates
Colorado has a state sales tax rate of 2.9%, but local jurisdictions can add additional taxes. The total tax rate varies significantly across the state, from 2.9% in areas with no local tax to 8.4% in some cities.
State Rate
Average Local Rate
Maximum Local Rate
Combined Range
Major Colorado Cities and Their Tax Rates
| City | State Tax | Local Tax | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 2.9% | 2% | 4.9% |
| Colorado Springs | 2.9% | 3% | 5.9% |
| Aurora | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Fort Collins | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Lakewood | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Thornton | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Arvada | 2.9% | 4% | 6.9% |
| Westminster | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Pueblo | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Centennial | 2.9% | 4% | 6.9% |
| Boulder | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Greeley | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Longmont | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Castle Rock | 2.9% | 4% | 6.9% |
| Broomfield | 2.9% | 4% | 6.9% |
| Loveland | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Grand Junction | 2.9% | 3.5% | 6.4% |
| Lafayette | 2.9% | 4.5% | 7.4% |
| Littleton | 2.9% | 4% | 6.9% |
| Golden | 2.9% | 5% | 7.9% |
| Aspen | 2.9% | 2.5% | 5.4% |
| Vail | 2.9% | 2.5% | 5.4% |
| Breckenridge | 2.9% | 2.5% | 5.4% |
| Steamboat Springs | 2.9% | 2.5% | 5.4% |
Colorado Sales Tax Exemptions
Colorado provides several exemptions from sales tax for certain types of goods and services. Some common exemptions include:
- Prescription Drugs: All prescription medications are exempt from sales tax
- Food: Most food for home consumption is exempt, except for prepared food, soft drinks, and candy
- Farm Equipment: Machinery and equipment used in agricultural production
- Manufacturing Equipment: Equipment used directly in manufacturing
- Renewable Energy Equipment: Solar, wind, and other renewable energy systems
- Religious and Charitable Organizations: Purchases by qualifying organizations
- Government Agencies: Purchases by federal, state, and local governments
Colorado Sales Tax Holidays
Colorado does not have traditional sales tax holidays like many other states. However, there are specific exemptions that apply year-round:
- Energy Efficient Products: Certain energy-efficient appliances and products may qualify for sales tax exemptions
- Agricultural Products: Sales of agricultural products for further processing may be exempt
- Medical Devices: Prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other medical devices are exempt
Note that these exemptions have specific eligibility requirements and may require certification or documentation.
Understanding Colorado Sales Tax
What is Colorado Sales Tax?
Colorado sales tax is a consumption tax imposed by the state and local governments on the sale of goods and certain services. The state rate is 2.9%, with local jurisdictions adding additional taxes that vary by city and county.
Local Tax Variations
Local tax rates in Colorado can range from 0% to 5.5%, depending on the city and county. Some areas have only city tax, some have only county tax, and some have both. The total tax rate is the sum of state and local taxes.
Tax Collection
Sales tax in Colorado is collected by sellers at the point of sale and remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Sellers must register with the state and obtain a sales tax license before collecting tax.
Use Tax
Colorado use tax applies when sales tax has not been paid on taxable items purchased outside the state for use in Colorado. The use tax rate is the same as the sales tax rate that would have applied if the purchase was made within the state.
Business Registration
Businesses selling taxable goods or services in Colorado must register for a sales tax license with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Registration can be done online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
Filing Requirements
Sales tax returns in Colorado are typically filed monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on the business’s tax liability. Filing is done through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s online system, and payments are due by the 20th day of the month following the reporting period.
Colorado Sales Tax for Businesses
Nexus Requirements
Businesses must collect Colorado sales tax if they have nexus in the state. Nexus can be established through physical presence, economic activity, or other connections. Colorado follows economic nexus rules, requiring out-of-state sellers to collect tax if they have more than $100,000 in sales into the state in the previous or current calendar year.
Marketplace Facilitators
Marketplace facilitators like Amazon and eBay are required to collect and remit sales tax on behalf of third-party sellers selling into Colorado. This applies to marketplace facilitators with more than $100,000 in sales into the state.
Exemption Certificates
Businesses purchasing items for resale can provide exemption certificates to sellers to avoid paying sales tax. Colorado has a specific form (Form DR 1001) that must be completed and provided to the seller at the time of purchase.
Shipping and Handling
In Colorado, shipping and handling charges are generally taxable if they are part of the sale of tangible personal property. If the charges are separately stated and related to transportation services, they may be exempt.
Penalties and Interest
Colorado imposes penalties for late filing and late payment of sales tax. The penalty is 10% of the tax due, plus interest at the rate of 0.5% per month. Failure to file or pay can result in additional penalties and legal action.
Tax Calculation Services
Given the complexity of Colorado’s sales tax system with hundreds of different local tax rates, many businesses use automated tax calculation services to ensure accurate collection and remittance of sales tax.