Sales Tax for Colorado (2026)
Colorado (CO) Key Facts
State Sales Tax Rate
2.9%
Has State Sales Tax
Yes
Local Taxes May Apply
Yes
Tax Type
Sales and use tax
How This Calculator Works in Colorado
This calculator estimates the Colorado sales tax on your purchase amount using the state rate of 2.9%. Enter your purchase price to see the tax amount and total cost.
Colorado Overview
Colorado's 2.9% state sales tax rate is among the lowest in the U.S., but combined rates tell a very different story — local city, county, and district taxes can push the total above 11.2%. The state's home-rule city system creates one of the nation's most complex sales tax landscapes, with dozens of separately administered local taxes.
How Colorado Compares
Colorado's sales tax rate of 2.9% compares to Utah at 6.1% and New Mexico at 5%. Combined with local rates, the effective sales tax burden varies by location.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 6.1% | Utah has a sales tax rate of 6.1%. |
| New Mexico | 5% | New Mexico has a sales tax rate of 5%. |
| Kansas | 6.5% | Kansas has a sales tax rate of 6.5%. |
Colorado's sales tax rate of 2.9% compares to a national average of approximately 5.10%. This is below the national average.
Tips for Colorado Residents
- 1Colorado's 2.9% state rate is one of the lowest in the nation, but local taxes are unusually high — combined rates can reach 11.2% in some jurisdictions.
- 2Colorado has a complex patchwork of home-rule cities that self-administer their own sales taxes, meaning businesses may need to file separately with dozens of cities.
- 3Groceries are exempt from Colorado's 2.9% state sales tax, but many cities still tax food at their local rates.
- 4Colorado holds no statewide sales tax holidays.
- 5The state rate of 2.9% can be misleading — always check the specific combined rate for your city and county before budgeting for large purchases.