Sales Tax

When to Charge Sales Tax

  • When the university sells tangible property to non-university, non-tax-exempt entities, the sale is subject to sales tax. This includes sales made to students, faculty and staff (not acting in an agent capacity on behalf of the university), companies, the general public and conference catering.
  • There are some CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ campus departments that have a large volume of sales (e.g., the Book Store) have their own sales tax license and file/pay their own taxes.
  • Departments with a small volume of sales collect sales tax and let the Campus Controller's Office file and pay the tax.
  • Questions? Email salestax@colorado.edu

View Sales Tax FAQs

Sales Tax Rates

Current City of ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ Rates

Tax TypeTotalCityStateCountyRTD
Sales9.045%3.86%2.90%1.185%1.10%
Food Service9.195%4.01%2.90%1.185%1.10%

  from Sales-Tax.com

Sales Tax Exemption

Certificate of Exemption
For Colorado State Sales/Use Tax:
09802915 (ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ campus)

DR 5002 - Declaration of Wholesale or Entity Sales Tax Exemption
Suitable for printing and taking to retailers. View the original version of the .


Select Verify a License or Certificate. Then enter 98025650000 for state or 98029150000 for ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ campus.


Enter CU's EIN: 84-6000555.  verifies 501(c)(3) status of CU.

  • For State use: 98-02565
  • For ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ campus use: 9802915
  • Federal Excise Tax Exemption: 84-730123K

Policies & Procedures


  • Accounting Handbook | How to identify when CU is responsible for sales and use tax, and how to remit payment.
  • Sales Tax Policy | CCO
    To ensure that CU ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ complies with sales tax regulations.
  • Sales Tax Payable | Chapter 9
    The Guide | Page 20 | Provides important sales tax how-to information.

Additional Resources

  • Information on the Procurement Service Center site.
  • Taxation Division | Links to online sales tax tools
  • Guidance on specific tax topics.
  • Information, instructions and FAQs.
  • Includes a brochure for ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ County merchants who collect and file sales tax.
  • Employee Services | Resources and services to help international members of CU
  • To provide to suppliers that want the university's signed W-9.