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Colorado Car Sales Tax Calculator

The Colorado car sales tax calculator starts from the state's 2.9% sales tax on a vehicle; cities, counties and special districts can add their own. The fair market value of a qualifying trade-in is excluded from the taxable price. Enter your numbers below to see the estimate.

Calculate Your Colorado Car Sales Tax

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The selling price on your buyer’s order.

What the dealer credits you.

State
ColoradoChange state

Colorado cities, counties and special districts can add their own tax, so your combined rate is above 2.9%. Enter the local part of your combined rate. Colorado publishes its rate information here: Colorado sales tax rate information

Condition

Advanced options

Enter your own amounts where you know them. They replace our estimates.

Replaces the state estimate.

Replaces the state estimate.

Plates, inspections, add-ons.

Estimate only

Estimated out-the-door price

$0.00

Enter a vehicle price to see your estimate.

Vehicle price
$0.00
Trade-in
—
Taxable amount
$0.00
State sales tax (2.9%)
$0.00
Local sales tax
$0.00
Title fee
$0.00
Registration fee
$0.00
Dealer / documentation fee
—
Estimated total
$0.00
How this estimate was calculated

    Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual taxes and fees may vary based on your location, vehicle, transaction and current state rules.

    Estimated Colorado Car Sales Tax

    State rate2.9%
    Local taxVaries by location
    Trade-inLowers taxable price
    Dealer feeLimit not confirmed

    Colorado's state sales tax on a vehicle is only 2.9%, or $725.00 on a $25,000 purchase with no trade-in, so the local layers decide most of what you pay.

    Cities, counties and special districts can each add their own tax, which puts your combined rate above 2.9%. The calculator asks for the local part of your rate.

    If you trade in a vehicle that is subject to licensing, registration or certification, its fair market value is excluded from the taxable purchase price.

    Colorado Car Title and Registration Fees

    The one fee we could price is the $7.20 title transfer fee for a personal vehicle. Colorado's annual registration combines a weight-based license fee with specific ownership tax and other surcharges, so that amount is left out until you enter it under Advanced options.

    FeeAmountNotes
    Title feeTitle$7.20The DMV's title transfer fee for a personal vehicle.
    Registration fees and ownership taxRegistrationVariesColorado's annual registration combines a weight-based license fee, specific ownership tax based on the vehicle's age and taxable value, and other surcharges. Counties may add local fees. Enter your amount under Advanced options.
    Dealer documentation feeSet by the dealerVariesWe have not confirmed a Colorado limit or tax rule for dealer documentary fees. Check each line on the buyer's order.

    How Colorado Car Sales Tax Is Calculated

    1. Start with the purchase price on your invoice.
    2. Subtract the fair market value of a qualifying trade-in.
    3. Multiply the result by the state rate of 2.9%.
    4. Add the local part of your rate for your city, county and any special districts.
    5. Add the $7.20 title fee and any registration, ownership tax and dealer fees you know.

    The specific ownership tax is a yearly property-style tax paid with registration. It is based on the vehicle's age and value, so it is much larger on a newer car.

    A local jurisdiction's rules on when it collects tax can differ, so confirm your local rate with your county before you sign. We have not confirmed a Colorado limit on dealer documentary fees, so check each line on the buyer's order. To see how Colorado's trade-in exclusion compares with other states, read how a trade-in affects sales tax. Buying in Denver? The City and County of Denver charges its own sales and use tax on the net purchase price, which is the price less any trade-in allowance the dealer gives. If the seller is not licensed to collect it, you pay Denver directly through the Denver Motor Vehicle office, and no title or plates are issued until it is paid. Check the current rate on the city's Fees and Sales Tax page and enter the local part in the calculator.

    Example Colorado Car Sales Tax Calculation

    This example assumes a combined 4% local rate for illustration. Your local rate depends on your city, county and districts.

    Vehicle price$30,000.00
    Trade-in−$8,000.00
    Taxable amount$22,000.00
    State sales tax (2.9%)$638.00
    Local tax (4%)$880.00
    Title fee$7.20
    Registration feeNot included
    Estimated total$23,525.20

    This is an illustration, not a quote.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Car Sales Tax

    What is the car sales tax rate in Colorado?

    The state rate is 2.9%. Some cities, counties and special districts also impose tax, and the Department of Revenue publishes local rates in its rate publications.

    Does a trade-in reduce Colorado sales tax?

    Yes. If the vehicle you trade in is subject to licensing, registration or certification, its fair market value is excluded from the taxable purchase price.

    What is specific ownership tax?

    It is a tax paid with your annual registration, based on the year of manufacture and the taxable value of the vehicle. It is part of the total registration cost together with license fees and surcharges.

    How much is the title fee in Colorado?

    The DMV lists a $7.20 title transfer fee for a personal vehicle.

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