Colorado Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Calculate sales tax in Colorado. Colorado has a 2.9% state sales tax rate; local taxes bring the average combined rate to 7.89%. Based on current CO rates.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$
%
Groceries (food for home)
Clothing

Total Tax

$7.89

Total with Tax

$107.89

Combined Rate

7.890%

Tax Breakdown

State Tax (2.90%)$2.90
Local Tax (4.99%)$4.99
Total Sales Tax$7.89
Total with Tax$107.89

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Colorado Sales Tax Guide

Colorado's statewide sales tax is just 2.9%, one of the lowest state rates in the nation. That headline number is deceptive, though, because cities, counties, and special districts stack their own taxes on top. Once those local pieces are added, combined rates often land well above the state figure, and in some jurisdictions the total exceeds 10%. The rate you actually pay depends heavily on where the sale takes place, which is why two stores a few miles apart can ring up noticeably different totals.

What gets taxed also matters. Colorado exempts most groceries and prescription drugs from the state sales tax, so a cart of unprepared food is treated very differently from a restaurant meal or a candy bar. Prepared food, dining out, and many everyday goods remain taxable. When you buy from an out-of-state seller that doesn't collect Colorado tax, a use tax of the same rate is generally owed on that purchase, designed so online and out-of-state shopping doesn't undercut local retailers. The Department of Revenue administers the state portion and many local collections.

Colorado Sales Tax Details (2026)

State Sales Tax Rate 2.9%
Local Sales Taxes Yes, 4.99% on average
Average Combined Rate 7.89% (Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
Local Tax Note Local sales taxes up to about 9.1% (combined rates reach about 12% in a few towns; Tax Foundation, midyear 2026)
State Income Tax 4.4% (flat)
Avg. Property Tax Rate 0.52%

Official Sources:

Colorado Sales Tax FAQ

Why is the sales tax higher than 2.9% where I shop?
The 2.9% is only the state rate. Counties, cities, and special districts, such as transit or stadium districts, add their own sales taxes on top, and combined rates can climb past 10% in some areas. Because these local rates vary by location, the total you pay shifts as you cross city or county lines.
Are groceries taxed in Colorado?
Most unprepared groceries are exempt from Colorado's state sales tax, so staples like bread, milk, and produce generally aren't taxed at the 2.9% state level. Prepared foods, restaurant meals, and certain items like candy and soda are usually taxable. Some local jurisdictions apply their own rules to food, so the exemption isn't always identical everywhere.
Are prescription drugs taxable in Colorado?
Prescription drugs are exempt from Colorado sales tax, along with many medical items dispensed on a prescription. This keeps necessary medication out of the taxable base. Over-the-counter products without a prescription are generally treated as regular taxable goods unless a specific exemption applies.
What is use tax and when do I owe it in Colorado?
Use tax applies when you buy taxable goods from a seller that didn't collect Colorado sales tax, often an out-of-state or online retailer, and bring the item into the state for use. The rate mirrors the sales tax that would have applied locally, so the purchase isn't tax-free just because no tax was charged at checkout. The Department of Revenue provides ways for individuals and businesses to report and pay it.

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