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Taxes›Colorado›Denver County›Denver

Denver
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Denver, Colorado. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

Rental conditions are recorded in Denver
STR license restricted to host's primary residence. reported fees: ~$50 application + $100/yr renewal (sources conflict; CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.
Find published guidance for your Denver address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Denver.

Source disagreement: SELF-COLLECTED; fee figures conflict across sources incl. denvergov pages - call (720) 865-2740 to pin current fee

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What you need to do in Denver

Sources disagree
  1. To do
    Meet the local rental conditions

    STR license restricted to host's primary residence. reported fees: ~$50 application + $100/yr renewal (sources conflict; CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.

  2. To do
    Get the Denver short-term rental license or registration

    Fee: CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 10.75% Denver occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

    Filing portal

Source disagreement: SELF-COLLECTED; fee figures conflict across sources incl. denvergov pages - call (720) 865-2740 to pin current fee Confirm the disputed steps with the authority. Source

Get reminders for your Denver filing dates

Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Denver affects your rental.

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What to know.

STR license restricted to host's primary residence. reported fees: ~$50 application + $100/yr renewal (sources conflict; CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses. The published guide for Denver lists 10.75% local occupancy tax. The state table lists a 2.9% Colorado state sales tax in addition. The state base rate excludes local taxes and any separate lodging charges. A license or registration is required. Fee: CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.

At a glance.

Local tax
10.75%
State tax
2.9%
Total for a direct booking
13.65%
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects

Other taxes or assessments may apply. Review tax context and confirm the full amount for your rental with the authority.

SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

What the recorded taxes cover

Recorded local sales tax: 5.15%

Local sales tax is shown separately from the lodging-tax estimate.

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Denver: Recorded exemptions

Per official Denver Lodger's Tax Return: exempt sales to federal/state/local governments and exempt charitable organizations; accommodations rented 30+ days; bad debts (lodger's tax previously remitted); non-taxable service/labor.

Denver: Recorded penalties and interest

Late filing: penalty of greater of 15% of tax due or $25.00, plus interest of 1% of tax for each month the return is late (per official Denver Lodger's Tax Return form).

Denver: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (denvergov.org: ebiztax)

Denver: Recorded remittance instructions

Lodger's Tax account with Denver Treasury required even when marketplace collects; marketplace (Airbnb/Vrbo) collection required

Source for these notes: denvergov.org: short term rentals

Platform tax collection guidance for Denver

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbPlatform collectsPlatform collects
VrboPlatform collectsPlatform collects
Booking.comPlatform collectsPlatform collects
DirectYou collect and remitYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply before you list. Fee: CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.

  • Collection of the 10.75% local tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

  • Check the state tax requirements

    Use the linked state tax instructions to register and file.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Denver occupancy tax10.75%
Source
Source linked
Colorado state sales tax2.9%
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Denver STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Denver occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Denver?

A license or registration is required. Fee: CO state law caps application fee at $150) - confirm with Excise & Licenses.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.