So, you need to know about sales tax in The Centennial State. Look no further!
Whether you’ve fully set up shop in Colorado, or simply ship there once in a while, it’s important you know whether your business is liable to their sales taxes. This guide will tell you everything you need to know, plus direct you to the right places for handling any sales tax responsibility you may have.
What’s taxable in Colorado?
Below is an overview of products that are generally taxable in Colorado. Some local cities or districts might have their own rules or exceptions, however. For example, check out the Denver sales tax guide for the specific rules in the Colorado capital city.
Tangible products
Tangible products, as you might guess, are physical items. Colorado taxes most tangible products, but there can be exemptions! To be absolutely clear about which products are subject to sales tax, and which are exempt, check the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Digital products
Digital products are goods that are delivered or accessed electronically, usually through the internet. Media streaming services and eBooks usually fall into this category, too, but rules can vary. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to be sure.
Do you have nexus in Colorado?
The word “nexus” refers to a commercial connection in the state. Nexus determines the following questions for a state tax agency: Do you do business here, what kind, and how much? And when you do have nexus, that means you’re obligated to collect tax on your sales there.
So the first question for you to answer is whether you have nexus in Colorado.
You probably have nexus in Colorado if any of the following points describe your business:
- A physical presence in Colorado: a store, an office, a warehouse or distribution center, storage space, you, an employee, a representative, etc.
- A significant amount of sales in Colorado within twelve months.1
1 This is called an economic nexus, a sales tax nexus determined by economic activity, i.e. - the amount of sales you make in a particular state. Any kind of economic activity could trigger the nexus, once your total sales reach a certain threshold amount.
The threshold in Colorado is $100,000 in annual sales. To learn more about how this works, check out the Ultimate Guide to US Economic Nexus.
How to collect sales tax in Colorado
Now it’s time to tackle the intricate stuff! Tax rates can vary based on the location of your business and the location of your customer, plus the levels of sales tax that apply in those specific locations.
The state-wide sales tax in Colorado is 2.9%.
There are additional levels of sales tax at local jurisdictions, too.
Check out Quaderno’s Sales Tax Calculator to see your product’s tax rate, amount, and final price in Colorado.
Colorado has a destination-based sales tax system,2 so you have to pay attention to the varying tax rates across the state. Charge the tax rate of the buyer’s address, as that’s the destination of your product or service.
2 Important to note for remote sellers: While this is generally true for Colorado, some states have peculiar rules about tax rates for remote sellers. Contact the state’s Department of Revenue to be sure.
Sales tax on shipping charges in Colorado
Colorado does apply sales tax to shipping costs. The rule of thumb is that if what you’re selling is subject to tax, then the shipping charges are also subject to tax. (And vice versa is true: If the item being shipped is not subject to sales tax, neither are the shipping charges.)
If you happen to be shipping products that are both taxable and nontaxable, then shipping charges for the entire shipment are subject to tax.
How to register for sales tax in Colorado
Okay, so you have nexus! Now what?
The next crucial step in complying with Colorado sales tax is to register for a sales tax permit. It’s actually illegal to collect tax without a permit. So to get all your ducks in a row, start with tax registration first.
Learn more in our Colorado State Registration and Filing Guide.
When to file taxes in Colorado
Your filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annually) depends on the amount of sales tax you collect. Returns are typically due on the 20th day of the month following the reporting period. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it’s due the next business day. Check your specific deadlines in our Colorado State Registration and Filing Guide.
How to file taxes in Colorado
When tax time rolls around in Colorado, you must:
- Calculate sales tax collected and owed
- File a sales tax return
- Make a payment
Even if no sales were made, a zero-tax filing is still required. Learn more in our Colorado State Registration and Filing Guide.
Other Colorado tax info
Penalties
If you miss a filing or payment deadline, certain penalties can apply. Such a pain! Check the state’s website for up-to-date penalty fees.
Discounts
On a brighter note, you could be eligible for sales tax discounts in Colorado! Usually these discounts are designed to save you a bit of money, as a reward for complying with the sales tax system. Check the state’s website for up-to-date discount policies.
Sales Tax Holidays
One final tricky aspect about Colorado sales tax are the sales tax holidays. During these days of the year, you aren’t required to charge sales tax, and buyers will expect to not be charged. Check the state’s website for current sales tax holidays.
Note: At Quaderno we love providing helpful information and best practices about taxes, but we are not certified tax advisors. For further help, or if you are ever in doubt, please consult a professional tax advisor or the tax authorities.