Learn how to file sales tax online in Colorado with step-by-step instructions including screenshots.
Before you can file Colorado sales tax returns, you need a Colorado sales tax license. Businesses with a Colorado location apply online through MyBizColorado. Out-of-state retailers apply through Revenue Online. You can also mail Form CR 0100.
If you sell at a special event, such as a market or fair, you need a special event license instead, unless the event organizer holds one that covers you. Some home rule cities also require their own license.
The first step to filing your online sales tax is creating an account in the Sales and Use Tax System (SUTS). Go to the SUTS portal and click Register under "Need an account?"
SUTS asks you to verify your email address before it sets up your account. Enter your email and click Verify Email.
You'll need to provide your business information, including your Colorado Account Number, business name, and contact details. Follow the prompts to complete the account setup process.
The Colorado Department of Revenue has created a series of video tutorials that walk you through the various features and processes. Take some time to watch these videos, particularly the "Filing Using Excel" tutorial which shows you how to format and upload your sales data.
With your account created, log into SUTS using the username and password you set up.
If you already have an account and forget your login details, use the "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username" links on the login page to recover them. Make sure you have your sales data ready before proceeding.
Once logged in, click the "File Return" button to start the filing process.
Select the filing period for your return (e.g., Q1 2026 for the first quarter of 2026) and the type of return you need to file. Click “File Now” beside the return period.
For most online sellers, this will be the "Retail Sales Tax Return". Click "Continue" to proceed.
On the next screen, you'll enter your sales data for the filing period. If you have a small number of transactions, you can enter them manually. However, most online sellers will need to upload a spreadsheet.
The account number and tax return end date will auto populate while you can select if you will be paying by EFT.
Once you’ve entered the EFT details, you can click Next and you’ll be taken to the Attach file screen.
Now, you’ll be prompted to choose the file type and add a description for the file. Then click “Choose” to proceed with uploading the file.
If the upload succeeds, you’ll see the uploaded file under the attachments table. Once you’re ready, click Submit
Finally, enter your password to complete the submission.
After uploading your data, SUTS will calculate the total sales tax owed for each county based on the information you provided. It may take a few days to several weeks before the documents have been processed.
If everything looks correct, click the "Submit" button to file your return. You'll see a confirmation message with a reference number for your records. Print or save a copy of this page for your files.
The final step is to pay the sales tax you owe. Click “Make a Payment” on the review page.
SUTS offers several payment options, including electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card, and paper check. Select your preferred method and follow the instructions to complete your payment.
Keep in mind that payments are due by the 20th day of the month following the filing period. For example, if you're filing a Q1 return, your payment is due by April 20th. Make sure to submit your payment on time to avoid penalties and interest.
Here’s a snippet of the different sales tax rates in Colorado:
| City | Local Sales Tax Rate (including base tax) |
|---|---|
| Lakewood | 7.5% |
| Denver | 9.15% |
| Aurora | 8.0%–8.75% (varies by county) |
| Thornton | 8.5% |
| Colorado Springs | 8.2% |
| Fort Collins | 8.3% |
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