Archuleta County, Colorado
Pagosa Springs, CO vacation rental requirements
Inside Pagosa Springs town limits, a short-term rental needs a town Vacation Rental License: $50 to apply and $700 the first year, $500 to renew, plus a $500 workforce housing fee. Stays owe 6.9% sales tax plus the town’s 4.9% lodging tax.
Checked against official sources November 8, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
We read the town’s 2024 fee schedule; fees may have changed. Ask the town for its vacation rental standards (inspection, occupancy, parking) and whether the $500 workforce housing fee is yearly.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
State of Colorado
Get a state sales tax license
If you rent rooms or a home for stays under 30 days, Colorado requires a sales tax license from the Department of Revenue. Platforms like Airbnb collect the state and state-administered taxes on their bookings; you file for anything booked directly.Source
Check for home-rule city taxes
Many cities and mountain towns collect their own sales and lodging taxes. Platforms aren’t required by the state to collect these, so you may need a separate city tax license and returns.Source
Get your county or city rental license
Most Colorado mountain counties and towns, and Denver, require a short-term rental license or permit, often with an inspection, an occupancy limit, posted information, and a local responder. Pick your area for the rules.
Archuleta County, Colorado
Get a state sales tax license
Needed for any rental unless a platform covers all your taxes.Source
Then your town or area
Towns set their own rental licenses and collect their own taxes, and the county’s rules cover only areas outside town limits. Pick your area.
Town of Pagosa Springs
Get a Vacation Rental License
Apply to the Town of Pagosa Springs for a Vacation Rental License and town business license. Late renewals cost $50 a month after 30 days.Source
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 30 days owe 6.9% state and county sales tax plus the town’s 4.9% lodging tax. Airbnb and other platforms collect the state and state-administered taxes on their bookings; for direct bookings, file with the Colorado Department of Revenue. Open a lodgers tax account with the town and file the 4.9% by the 20th of each month; ask the town whether Airbnb collects it.Source
Fees
About $1,250 the first year, $500 to renew
| Vacation rental license application | $50 |
|---|---|
| Vacation rental license (first year) | $700 |
| Renewal | $500 |
| Workforce housing fee | $500 |
| Late renewal | $50 a month after 30 days |
Sources
- Sales & Use Tax Topics: Rooms & Accommodations · Colorado Department of Revenue
- Sales Tax Guide and Colorado Sales/Use Tax Rates (DR 1002) · Colorado Department of Revenue
- 2024 Town Fee Schedule (adopted December 5, 2023) · Town of Pagosa Springs
- What are the Lodging Tax requirements? · Town of Pagosa Springs
A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.