Taxes in Denver, Colorado
Complete tax guide for Denver, CO. State income tax up to 4.4%, 0.51% property tax, 8.81% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.4%
Colorado
Property Tax
0.51%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
8.81%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
Moderate
Denver, CO Tax Overview
Denver imposes various local fees; Tabor amendment limits tax growth
Population
713,252
Median Income
$72,661
Cost of Living
114.3 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4.4%
Median Home Price
$545,000
Denver Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Denver median: $72,661
Total Tax Burden in Denver
$16,355
Take-Home: $56,306 · Effective Rate: 22.51%
Federal Tax
$7,599
10.46% eff.
CO State
$3,197
4.40% eff.
FICA
$5,559
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$56,306
77.49% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $72,661.00 | $6,055.08 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$7,599.42 | -$633.29 |
| Colorado State Tax | -$3,197.08 | -$266.42 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,504.98 | -$375.42 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,053.58 | -$87.80 |
| Take-Home Pay | $56,305.93 | $4,692.16 |
Property Tax in Denver
Median Home
$545,000
Annual Tax
$2,780
Monthly Tax
$232
Effective Rate
0.51%
Sales Tax in Denver
Combined Rate
8.81%
State Portion
~6.3%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Denver is 8.81%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $8.81 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Denver | Colorado Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.51% | ~0.51% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 8.81% | ~8.81% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | Moderate | — | Moderate |
About Taxes in Denver
Denver has a population of approximately 713,252 residents with a median household income of $72,661. The cost of living index is 114.3 (14.3% higher than the national average of 100).
Local context: Denver imposes various local fees; Tabor amendment limits tax growth
Tax burden classification: Moderate. Effective combined tax rate of 28.5% includes federal, state, FICA, property, and sales taxes for a typical Denver household.
Official Tax Resources for Colorado
For authoritative Colorado tax forms, filing deadlines, and the latest legislative updates, consult these official government resources:
- Colorado Department of Revenue — official state revenue agency
- Colorado Individual Income Tax Forms — current tax year forms and instructions
- IRS Federal Tax Forms and Instructions — federal income tax filing
Tax Saving Tips for Denver Residents
- Colorado's income tax rate of 4.4% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Denver (0.51%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- The combined sales tax rate of 8.81% is relatively high. Consider making large purchases in lower-tax jurisdictions or online retailers that do not charge local tax rates.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in Colorado
Colorado Springs
ModerateAurora
ModerateFort Collins
ModerateLakewood
ModerateThornton
ModerateArvada
ModerateBoulder
HighSources & Methodology
Tax rate data on this page is compiled from official government sources and updated for the 2026 tax year. Calculations follow the IRS-published 2026 federal tax brackets, FICA rates (6.2% Social Security up to $176,100 wage base, 1.45% Medicare), and Colorado state tax provisions. Property tax estimates use Denver's median home value of $545,000and the local effective property tax rate of 0.51%.
- • Federal tax brackets and standard deductions: IRS.gov
- • State income tax rates and brackets: Colorado Department of Revenue
- • Median household income, home value, and demographics: U.S. Census Bureau ACS
- • Cost of living comparisons: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics CES
- • National average benchmarks: Tax Foundation state-level tax burden studies
Disclaimer: Estimates are for informational purposes only. Actual tax liability depends on filing status, deductions, credits, and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed tax professional or your state revenue agency for binding tax guidance.
Reviewed by LevyIO Tax Research Team · Published 2026-01-15 · Last updated 2026-04-30
Calculate Your Full Colorado Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Denver, CO?
Denver, Colorado has a state income tax rate up to 4.4%. The property tax rate is 0.51% and the combined sales tax rate is 8.81%. Denver imposes various local fees; Tabor amendment limits tax growth
How much is property tax in Denver?
The effective property tax rate in Denver is 0.51%. On the median home price of $545,000, this equals approximately $2,780 per year or $232 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Denver?
The combined sales tax rate in Denver is 8.81%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Denver's tax burden compare to other cities?
Denver has a moderate overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 28.5%. The combination of 4.4% state income tax, 0.51% property tax, and 8.81% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 114.3 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Denver?
Denver does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 4.4%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Denver imposes various local fees; Tabor amendment limits tax growth