Douglas County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- First-year review fee
- $500
- Renewal review fee
- $270
- Annual license fee
- $130
- Colorado state sales tax
- 2.9% on under-30-day stays
- Castle Rock lodging tax
- 6% plus 4.2% sales tax
Summary
Douglas County charges a $500 application review fee the first year, $270 to renew, plus a $130 license fee each year. Owners must collect and remit all applicable taxes: Colorado's 2.9% state sales tax applies to stays under 30 days, plus local sales and lodging taxes.
Taxes. The Owner or the Local Responsible Agent shall collect and remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes on each Short-Term Rental Property.
Full Breakdown
The county ordinance requires the Owner or Local Responsible Agent to collect and remit all applicable local, state, and federal taxes on each rental. County licensing fees are: $500 application review fee for the first licensing year, $270 for subsequent years, and a $130 license fee. Colorado imposes 2.9% state sales tax on lodging furnished for less than 30 consecutive days. Homes inside incorporated towns owe town taxes instead: Castle Rock adds 4.2% town sales tax plus a voter-approved 6% lodging tax (effective January 1, 2022) and requires a town business license. Local marketing-district or county lodging taxes may also apply.
Violations & Fines
Failing to pay taxes owed to the county, or failing to timely pay the application review or annual license fee, is grounds for suspension of the Short-Term Rental license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a county STR license cost the first year?
Do short-term stays owe Colorado sales tax?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
How Douglas County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview
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