What is the colorado gas tax 2025 — 22¢/gallon?
In short
Colorado's state gas tax is 22¢ per gallon. A driver covering 15,000 miles a year at 28 MPG burns about 536 gallons and pays roughly $118/year in Colorado state gas tax — plus the 18.4¢/gal federal tax. Colorado keeps its headline excise low but adds separate per-gallon fees on top, so the 22¢ excise understates what drivers actually pay.
This page shows Colorado's current state gas tax (22¢/gal) and works out how much state fuel tax you pay from your annual mileage and MPG. A long-standing 22¢ excise plus a 5¢/gal Road Usage Fee (July 2025) that functions like added gas tax, plus a small Environmental Response Surcharge. It excludes the 18.4¢/gal federal excise.
How to use this calculator
- 1Colorado's 22¢/gal state rate is pre-filled.
- 2Add the miles you drive per year.
- 3Enter your vehicle's fuel economy (MPG).
- 4Read your annual gallons used and the Colorado state gas tax you pay.
The formula
- cents/gallon
- — Colorado state rate: 22¢ (all-in state-level ≈ 27¢)
- annual gallons
- — Annual miles ÷ MPG
- state tax paid
- — Gallons × state cents ÷ 100
- federal tax
- — 18.4¢/gal — the same in every state
Worked example
The scenario
15,000 miles/year at 28 MPG in Colorado (22¢/gal).
The result
15,000 ÷ 28 = 536 gallons. State gas tax = 536 × $0.2200 = $118/year. With the federal 18.4¢ that's about $217 of fuel tax for the year.
Common use cases
- Seeing how much of your fuel spending goes to Colorado gas tax
- Comparing fuel-tax cost between states before relocating
- the Road Usage Fee phases in over a decade and is then indexed to the National Highway Construction Cost Index
- sB 21-260 created two distinct new charges — the road usage fee and a bridge & tunnel impact fee
Limitations & assumptions
- The 18.4¢/gal federal gas tax is not included — combined with Colorado's state rate it's 40.4¢/gal.
- Colorado has no local per-gallon gas tax, but a long-standing 22¢ excise plus a 5¢/gal Road Usage Fee (July 2025) that functions like added gas tax, plus a small Environmental Response Surcharge.
- Rates change: The Road Usage Fee rose to 5¢/gal on July 1, 2025 (from 4¢) under the SB 21-260 phase-in.
- Treat this as a planning estimate — actual pump prices move with crude markets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the gas tax in Colorado?
How much gas tax do I pay per year in Colorado?
Is Colorado's gas tax fixed or does it change?
Are there local gas taxes in Colorado?
Where does Colorado's gas-tax money go?
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.