Colorado Sales Tax Calculator
Calculate the exact sales tax for any purchase in Colorado. Get instant breakdowns of state, county, and city taxes. Updated with current 2026 rates.
CO Base State Rate: 2.9% (up to 11.2% combined)
Arapahoe
Total Amount
$103.15
$100.00 + $3.15 tax
Tax Components
Colorado Sales Tax Highlights
Colorado has a low 2.9% state sales tax rate
Local taxes vary significantly by location
Combined rates can reach 11.2%
Groceries are exempt from state tax
Colorado Sales Tax FAQ
What is Colorado's sales tax rate?
Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate - one of the lowest in states with a sales tax. However, local taxes can add significantly more, with combined rates averaging 7.77%.
Colorado Sales Tax Rate Structure in 2026
Colorado has one of the lowest state sales tax rates in the country at just 2.9%. However, local taxes from counties, cities, and special districts add significantly more, with an average combined rate of approximately 7.77% and a maximum combined rate of 11.2%.
Colorado's local tax system is among the most complex in the United States. Many cities are "home-rule" jurisdictions that self-administer their own sales taxes separately from the state. This means businesses may need to register and file with multiple tax authorities — the state, the county, and individual cities.
| Area | State Rate | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver | 2.9% | 5.81% | 8.71% |
| Colorado Springs | 2.9% | 4.07% | 6.97% |
| Aurora | 2.9% | 4.00% | 6.90% |
| Boulder | 2.9% | 4.845% | 7.745% |
| Fort Collins | 2.9% | 4.65% | 7.55% |
| Lakewood | 2.9% | 3.50% | 6.40% |
Colorado adopted a destination-based sourcing model for state-administered localities in 2019, but home-rule cities may still use origin-based sourcing. Sellers must track which method applies to each jurisdiction.
Tax-Exempt Items and Special Rules in Colorado
Groceries (food for home consumption) are exempt from the 2.9% state sales tax in Colorado. However, many local jurisdictions still tax groceries at their local rates. This means the total tax on groceries depends entirely on where you shop.
| Category | Taxable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | Exempt at state level | Many cities still tax groceries locally |
| Clothing | Yes | No clothing exemption |
| Prescription drugs | Exempt | Exempt at all levels |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Yes | Taxed at full rate |
| Marijuana (recreational) | Yes — special rate | Subject to 15% excise + 15% special sales tax + standard rates |
| Farm equipment | Exempt | Agricultural equipment used in farming operations |
Colorado also exempts machinery and machine tools used in manufacturing, as well as packaging materials. Certain energy-efficient products may qualify for temporary exemptions during state-designated tax holidays.
Filing and Compliance for Colorado Sales Tax
The Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) administers state and state-collected local taxes. However, approximately 70+ home-rule cities administer their own sales taxes separately. Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs are all home-rule — businesses selling into these cities must register and file directly with each one.
Colorado established economic nexus effective December 1, 2018, requiring remote sellers with $100,000 in annual Colorado sales to collect and remit state tax. Home-rule cities may set their own thresholds.
| Filing Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Economic nexus threshold | $100,000 in annual Colorado sales |
| Marketplace facilitator rule | Yes — effective October 1, 2019 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly, Quarterly, or Annual |
| State agency | Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) |
| Home-rule cities | 70+ cities require separate registration/filing |
| Late filing penalty | 10% of tax due plus 0.5% per month interest |
Colorado's Sales & Use Tax System (SUTS) portal, launched in 2020, allows businesses to file with the state and many participating local jurisdictions through a single return. Not all home-rule cities participate in SUTS yet, but adoption is growing. Check the SUTS portal for current participating jurisdictions.
Related Calculators
Official References
This calculator uses current sales tax rates based on official sources:
- Colorado Department of Revenue
Official Colorado tax authority
Tax rates are updated regularly but may change. Always verify current rates with local tax authorities for official transactions.