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Sales Tax by City

Denver, Colorado Sales Tax Calculator

Denver has a combined sales tax rate of 8.810% — meaningfully higher than the Colorado statewide average of 7.81%. 2.9% state + 4.81% Denver + 1.1% RTD/CD special districts. Colorado allows the highest local rates in the country.

Total with tax
$107.81
Combined rate 7.810%
Purchase amount$100.00
State tax (2.900%)$2.90
Local tax (4.910%)$4.91
Total tax$7.81
Colorado notes: Lowest state base rate but very high local rates. Groceries exempt from state tax. Statewide average combined rate: 7.81%. Max local rate: 8.30%. Groceries: exempt from state tax.
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Sales tax in Denver

The 8.810% you pay at a Denver register is made up of 2.90% state tax plus roughly 5.910% in local taxes — a combination of county, city, and special-district levies. 2.9% state + 4.81% Denver + 1.1% RTD/CD special districts. Colorado allows the highest local rates in the country.

That's higher than the Colorado average of 7.81%. Most large Colorado cities run above the state average because urban areas tend to layer transit taxes, special improvement districts, and arena/stadium taxes on top of the state and county base.

Colorado exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxable at the full combined rate.

For exact tax on a transaction at a specific Denver address, use the Colorado Department of Revenue's lookup or a tool like Avalara. Rates can vary block-by-block when special tax districts cover part of the city.

Denver rate breakdown: Combined rate 8.810% = CO state 2.90% + local 5.910% (county + city + transit + special districts).
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Frequently asked questions

What is the sales tax rate in Denver, Colorado?

The combined sales tax rate in Denver is 8.810%. That includes the Colorado state portion plus county, city, and any applicable special-district taxes.

How is the Denver sales tax broken down?

Denver's 8.810% combined rate is made up of: 2.90% state, plus local additions including county, city, and any transit or special-district taxes. See the breakdown in the calculator above for any purchase amount.

What is the sales tax on a $100 purchase in Denver?

At a combined rate of 8.810%, sales tax on $100 in Denver is $8.81, bringing the total to $108.81.

Are groceries taxed in Denver?

Colorado exempts unprepared groceries from sales tax — they're not taxed in Denver either. Restaurant meals and prepared food are taxed at the full 8.810% rate.

Is the sales tax in Denver higher than surrounding cities?

Yes — Denver's combined rate of 8.810% is above the Colorado statewide average of 7.81%. Suburbs and smaller cities in the same state often pay lower combined rates.

Other cities in Colorado

Colorado Springs

Combined 8.200%

Open calculator →

Aurora

Combined 8.000%

Open calculator →

Related calculators

Colorado Sales Tax (statewide)

State-level rates and rules for all of Colorado.

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All-State Sales Tax Calculator

Combined rates for all 50 states + DC.

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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, accounting, or legal advice. Tax rates, regulations, and economic data change frequently. Consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.