On November 2, 2010, the voters of Blue River approved a 3.4% tax on income from the short term rental (less than 30 days) of lodging located in the Town. The tax takes effect on stays that begin after December 31, 2010 and applies to rentals either by an owner or through a management company. Property owners who rent must register with the Town. In addition, they will have to file a monthly lodging tax return. If you rent out your property through a management company, the management company is responsible for collecting and remitting the lodging and sales taxes. However, if you rent your home or condo yourself (even occasionally) you are responsible for collecting and remitting the lodging and sales taxes.

The fee for the Town of Blue River lodging registration is $200.00 for the first year and $75.00 for each succeeding year. If you intend to rent your home or condo, please fill out and return a registration form along with your registration fee. Upon receipt of your registration, we will send you lodging tax forms to use to report your rental income. Lodging tax returns, along with the appropriate remittance of the tax collected, are due on the 20th of each month following the period in which they were collected. Late returns are penalized at 10% of the sales tax due (minimum of $15.00) plus 1.5% interest for each month the payment is outstanding. You must file a lodging tax return even if no taxes are due for the period.

Blue River homeowners who rent their homes are also required by the State of Colorado to obtain a State sales tax account number. All rentals of short-term accommodations are subject to State and Summit County sales tax, personal property tax, as well as the Town of Blue River lodging tax. The total tax to be collected is 9.175% of the rental fee - 2.9% State sales tax, 2.0% Summit County sales tax, 0.75% County mass transit tax (Summit Stage), 0.125% Special District sales tax (Summit Housing Authority), 3.4% Blue River lodging tax. The 3.4% Blue River lodging tax should be remitted directly to the Town of Blue River with a Lodging Tax Return form. The remaining 5.775% should be remitted to the Colorado Department of Revenue with a State sales tax return form. Contact the Summit County Assessor to inquire about personal property taxes. (970-453-3470)

To obtain a Colorado Business Registration Form (CR 0100), please see the Forms menu above, visit www.taxcolorado.com or call (303) 238-7378. When completing the Colorado Business Registration Form for a rental property in the Town of Blue River, line 3a should contain the physical address of the property in the Principal Place of Business box and "Town of Blue River" in the City box. Box 3b should say "Summit". Box 3c should say "Blue River". In line 5, you should check "Yes" to the question "Do you rent out items for 30 days or less".