Sales Tax & Business Licensing

Business Licensing 

A City of Brighton (City) Business License is required for individuals and businesses engaged in business in the City. This license also serves as the sales tax license. 

Depending on the type of business additional licenses, permits and/or approvals may be required. Businesses that require additional approvals include, but are not limited to, contractors, merchant guards, and group homes. 

As of July 1, 2022 there is no fee to apply for a general business and sales tax license. 

For liquor licensing please contact the City Clerk’s Office.

For contractor licenses please contact the building and permitting division. 

For more information and to apply for a license go to the Business Licensing Page.

Mobile or outdoor vendors

Effective October 2021 the City of Brighton has revised the rules and regulations regarding mobile or outdoor vendors. Please see attached information sheet here to learn about the new rules and regulations. 

City of Brighton Sales & Lodging Tax  

In 2000, Brighton residents voted to become Home Rule Jurisdiction and adopted a Charter, with provision for the City of Brighton to collect its own sales tax. Taxable transactions are specified in the City of Brighton Municipal Code. The City may charge sales tax on items on which the State of Colorado does not. For instance, the City taxes food for domestic consumption while the State does not. Each vendor should read the City of Brighton Municipal Code, Sections 3-38-75 and Sections 3-28-80 to become acquainted with City taxable transactions and exemptions. 

In addition to sales tax, the City of Brighton has a 3% lodging tax on the price of lodging accommodations provided in the City.  

For more information go to the Sales Tax Page. 

City of Brighton Use Tax 

The City of Brighton imposes a City use tax of 3.75% on: 

  • The purchase of motor vehicles outside the city limits by a City resident. This is typically paid when the vehicle is registered with the County and is then remitted to the City by the County.

  • On any and all construction and building materials. The City use tax on building and construction materials is paid on an estimated basis when the building permit is issued. The permit must be presented to the vendor when purchasing building and construction materials for the permitted project in order to be exempt from City sales tax. The permit is reconciled when the project is completed to determine if there might have been an under or over payment on the permit.  

For more information go to the Use Tax page.

Forms and Resources