What is the sales tax rate in Colorado?

Colorado has a state sales tax rate of 2.900%, which is the lowest non-zero state sales tax rate in the United States. However, local jurisdictions can add their own sales taxes on top of the state rate. The average total sales tax rate in Colorado (including local taxes) is approximately 7.44%.

Does Colorado have local sales tax?

Yes, Colorado has extensive local sales taxes. Cities, counties, and special districts can all levy their own sales taxes. The average local sales tax rate in Colorado is approximately 4.96%, one of the highest in the nation. Total combined rates can reach 11-12% in some jurisdictions.

Are groceries taxed in Colorado?

No, groceries are generally exempt from Colorado sales tax. This exemption covers most food products sold for home consumption. However, candy, soft drinks, and prepared foods (like restaurant meals and hot foods) are taxable at the full rate.

Is clothing taxed in Colorado?

Yes, clothing and footwear are subject to Colorado's sales tax at the full rate of 2.900% plus any applicable local taxes. Colorado does not offer clothing exemptions, unlike some other states.

Are prescription drugs taxed in Colorado?

No, prescription drugs are exempt from Colorado sales tax. Medical equipment and most medical supplies are also exempt from sales tax.

What is the use tax in Colorado?

Colorado has a use tax that is assessed at the same rate as the sales tax (2.900%). Use tax applies to purchases made from out-of-state sellers when no Colorado sales tax was collected. This includes online purchases, catalog orders, or items brought into Colorado from other states. Consumers are required to report and pay use tax on their income tax returns.

When did Colorado last change its sales tax rate?

Colorado last changed its state sales tax rate on January 1, 2001, when it was reduced from 3% to 2.900%. The rate has remained stable at 2.900% since then, making it the lowest non-zero state sales tax rate in the country.

Do I pay CO sales tax on online purchases?

Yes, most online purchases delivered to Colorado addresses are subject to Colorado sales tax. If the seller doesn't collect sales tax, you're required to pay use tax at the same rate (2.900% state plus applicable local taxes) when filing your state income tax return.

Sales Tax Calculator

Colorado Sales Tax
Calculator

Calculate Colorado sales tax instantly for any city. Enter any amount to see the exact tax and total.

State Rate

2.900%

Select City

Amount before tax

About Colorado Sales Tax

State rate: 2.900%

Local rate in Denver County: 6.250%

Combined rate in Denver: 9.150%

State Rate

2.900%

Avg Total Rate

7.44%

Avg Local Rate

4.96%

US Rank

Colorado Sales Tax Rates by City

Colorado has the lowest state sales tax rate at 2.900%, but cities, counties, and special districts add their own taxes. Total rates vary significantly by location, ranging from 2.9% to over 11%.

Denver

Denver County

9.150%

Standard Rate

Colorado Springs

El Paso County

8.200%

Standard Rate

Aurora

Arapahoe County

8.000%

Standard Rate

Fort Collins

Larimer County

8.050%

Standard Rate

Lakewood

Jefferson County

7.500%

Standard Rate

Thornton

Adams County

8.500%

Standard Rate

Arvada

Jefferson County

7.960%

Standard Rate

Westminster

Jefferson County

8.350%

Standard Rate

Pueblo

Pueblo County

7.600%

Standard Rate

Greeley

Weld County

7.010%

Standard Rate

City	County	Standard Rate	Special District
Denver	Denver	9.150%	Standard Rate
Colorado Springs	El Paso	8.200%	Standard Rate
Aurora	Arapahoe	8.000%	Standard Rate
Fort Collins	Larimer	8.050%	Standard Rate
Lakewood	Jefferson	7.500%	Standard Rate
Thornton	Adams	8.500%	Standard Rate
Arvada	Jefferson	7.960%	Standard Rate
Westminster	Jefferson	8.350%	Standard Rate
Pueblo	Pueblo	7.600%	Standard Rate
Greeley	Weld	7.010%	Standard Rate
Centennial	Arapahoe	5.650%	Standard Rate
Boulder	Boulder	9.050%	Standard Rate
Longmont	Boulder	8.815%	Special District
Castle Rock	Douglas	7.900%	Standard Rate
Loveland	Larimer	6.700%	Standard Rate
Broomfield	Broomfield	8.150%	Special District
Grand Junction	Mesa	8.290%	Standard Rate
Commerce City	Adams	9.250%	Standard Rate
Parker	Douglas	8.000%	Standard Rate
Littleton	Arapahoe	8.000%	Standard Rate
Brighton	Adams	8.500%	Special District
Windsor	Weld	6.400%	Special District
Erie	Weld	6.400%	Special District
Northglenn	Adams	8.750%	Standard Rate
Englewood	Arapahoe	8.050%	Standard Rate
Wheat Ridge	Jefferson	8.000%	Standard Rate
Lafayette	Boulder	9.060%	Standard Rate
Fountain	El Paso	7.530%	Standard Rate
Evans	Weld	7.400%	Standard Rate
Montrose	Montrose	8.530%	Standard Rate

Note: Combined rates include state (2.900%), county, city, and special district taxes. Rates can change quarterly.

How to Calculate Sales Tax in Colorado

Sales Tax Calculation

Colorado

Example: Denver Purchase

Determine the purchase price

Purchase price (before tax) $100.00

Multiply by the tax rate

$100.00 × 9.15% (0.0915) for Denver

Sales tax $9.15

Add to the original price

$100.00 + $9.15

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $109.15

Thank you for your purchase

Reverse Calculation

Know the total? Divide by 1.0915 to find the pre-tax price in Denver. Example: $109.15 ÷ 1.0915 = $100.00

What's Taxed?

Taxable: Clothing, electronics, furniture

Exempt: Groceries, prescriptions

Special Colorado Sales Tax Rules

Lowest State Rate in the US

Colorado's state sales tax rate of 2.900% is the lowest non-zero state sales tax rate in the United States. However, Colorado has one of the highest average local sales tax rates at approximately 4.96%.

Important: While the state rate is low, total combined rates often exceed those of neighboring states due to extensive local taxes. Always verify the specific rate for your jurisdiction.

Complex Local Jurisdictions

Cities, counties, and special districts can all levy sales taxes. Total rates can reach 11-12% in some areas. Rates can change quarterly.

Tax-Exempt Items

Colorado exempts several categories from sales tax

•
Food & Groceries: Most unprepared food items sold for home consumption
•
Prescription Drugs: Medications and medical equipment
×
Clothing: Taxable at full rate (no exemption)
×
Prepared Foods: Restaurant meals, candy, and soft drinks are taxable

Use Tax: Colorado requires residents to report and pay use tax on purchases from out-of-state sellers when no Colorado sales tax was collected.

How Colorado Compares to Neighboring States

Here's how Colorado's sales tax stacks up against nearby states

2.900%

Wyoming

4.00%

+ up to 2%
local tax

New Mexico

4.875%

+ local tax

Colorado

2.900%

+ avg 4.96% local

Lowest state rate in US

Nebraska

5.50%

+ up to 2.5%
local tax

Kansas

6.50%

+ up to 4%
local tax

While Colorado has the lowest state rate, its high local taxes mean total combined rates often equal or exceed neighboring states.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Sales Tax Rate History

Colorado's sales tax rate has remained remarkably stable. Here's the recent history:

Effective Date	Rate	Change	Notes
January 1, 2001	2.900%	▼ -0.100%	Rate reduced from 3% - remains lowest in US
Before 2001	3.000%	—	Prior state rate
1935	—	—	Sales tax first enacted in Colorado

Related Calculators & Resources

Calculator

Reverse Sales Tax

Find original price from total

State Calculator

Wyoming

Calculate WY sales tax

State Calculator

New Mexico

Calculate NM sales tax

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Resources

Official CO Tax Info

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on current Colorado sales tax rates as of January 2025. Tax rates are subject to change by state legislation and local jurisdictions. Rates can change quarterly. For official tax rates and specific guidance on your situation, please consult the Colorado Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional.

Not Legal or Tax Advice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always verify current rates before making large purchases or business decisions.

Sources: Colorado Department of Revenue, Colorado Sales and Use Tax Act

Last updated: October 10, 2025