Denver Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Instantly estimate sales tax in Denver, CO using the 8.81% combined rate (state + city/county + RTD).

Inputs

Enter purchase details to calculate sales tax.

Purchase Price

Enter the price before tax.

Results

Sales tax breakdown for Denver, Colorado.

Effective Tax Rate: 8.810%

This category is taxable under the configured rules.

Purchase Price$100.00

Sales Tax$8.81

Total Price$108.81

Rate Breakdown

State2.900%

County0.000%

City4.810%

Special District1.100%

Base combined8.810%

Total8.810%

Calculator inputs stay on your device (local processing).

Disclaimer: All calculators on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only. The results do not constitute professional advice (including legal, tax, financial, medical, or other advice). Despite careful programming, we assume no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the results. For matters requiring professional advice, we recommend consulting an appropriate specialist (e.g., a tax advisor, lawyer, accountant, or physician).

How This Calculator Works

Enter the purchase price and category (general, groceries, etc.).
The calculator applies Denver's 8.81% combined rate (state + city/county + RTD).
Tax amount and total price update instantly.

Calculation Methodology

We calculate sales tax using:

Total Rate: State + City and County of Denver + RTD (8.81%)
Tax Amount: Price × (Total Rate / 100)
Total Price: Price + Tax

Denver, Colorado Sales Tax Calculator 2026

Denver's combined sales tax rate in 2026 is 8.81%: 2.9% Colorado state, 4.81% City and County of Denver, and 1.1% RTD (transit) tax. Use the calculator above for an instant tax and total on any purchase.

What is the Sales Tax Rate in Denver, Colorado?

In 2026, the combined sales tax rate in Denver (City and County of Denver) is 8.81%:

Colorado state sales tax: 2.9%
City and County of Denver: 4.81%
RTD (Regional Transportation District): 1.1%
Total combined rate: 8.81%

Is Denver Sales Tax High?

Denver's 8.81% combined rate is moderate to high. Chicago and Seattle exceed 10%, NYC is 8.875%, Houston 8.25%, Miami 7%. Colorado exempts most groceries from state tax; local taxes may still apply to some items.

Exemptions and Special Rules in Colorado

Groceries: most unprepared food is exempt from Colorado state tax; local taxes may apply.
Prescription drugs: generally tax-exempt.
Digital goods: may be taxable depending on Colorado law.

For official rules, see the Colorado Department of Revenue Sales Tax. More tools: Colorado Sales Tax Calculator, Colorado tax calculators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the sales tax rate in Denver, Colorado?

Denver's combined sales tax rate in 2026 is 8.81%: 2.9% Colorado state, 4.81% City and County of Denver, and 1.1% RTD (transit) tax.

Q:What is the sales tax on a car in Denver?

Motor vehicle sales in Colorado are generally subject to the same combined rate (8.81% in Denver) plus any applicable fees. Check Colorado DOR and DMV for current rules.

Q:Are groceries taxed in Denver?

Most unprepared food is exempt from Colorado state sales tax. Denver and RTD local taxes may still apply to some grocery items; check Colorado DOR for details.