Aspen transfer tax
On a $400,000 home sale in Aspen, CO, transfer taxes come to $5,040 (1.26% of the price): Colorado documentary fee ($0.01 per $100), Aspen Wheeler RETT (arts) (0.5%) and Aspen housing RETT (1% above a threshold), paid by the buyer.
Two city transfer taxes (1.5% total, first $100,000 excluded from the housing tax), paid by the buyer. Exemptions in Municipal Code §23.48.040.
Aspen transfer tax calculator
- State
- City
| Tax | Rate | Who pays | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado documentary feeState | $0.01 per $100 | Buyer | $40.00 |
| Aspen Wheeler RETT (arts)City | 0.5% | Buyer | $2,000.00 |
| Aspen housing RETTCity | 1% above a threshold | Buyer | $3,000.00 |
| Total transfer tax (1.26% of the price) | $5,040.00 | ||
"Who pays" is the customary or legal default; your purchase contract can move it.
Transfer tax in Aspen by home price
| Sale price | Total tax | Effective rate | Seller | Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $2,775 | 1.11% | $0 | $2,775 |
| $400,000 | $5,040 | 1.26% | $0 | $5,040 |
| $600,000 | $8,060 | 1.343% | $0 | $8,060 |
| $800,000 | $11,080 | 1.385% | $0 | $11,080 |
| $1,000,000 | $14,100 | 1.41% | $0 | $14,100 |
| $1,500,000 | $21,650 | 1.443% | $0 | $21,650 |
| $2,500,000 | $36,750 | 1.47% | $0 | $36,750 |
| $5,000,000 | $74,500 | 1.49% | $0 | $74,500 |
Negotiable amounts are shown half to each side.
Selling in Aspen?
Transfer tax is usually the second-biggest closing cost after the agent's commission. Comparing agents' fees often saves more than any exemption.
Exemptions in Colorado
- Consideration of $500 or less
- Gift deeds
- Treasurer's, public trustee and sheriff's deeds
- Correction deeds
- Cemetery lots
Local exemptions can differ; see Colorado transfer tax.
Elsewhere in Pitkin County
Questions
What is the transfer tax rate in Aspen?
1.26% of the price on a $400,000 sale: Colorado documentary fee ($0.01 per $100); Aspen Wheeler RETT (arts) (0.5%); Aspen housing RETT (1% above a threshold).
Who pays transfer tax in Aspen?
Colorado documentary fee: Buyer — Paid by the party recording the deed — usually the buyer.. Aspen Wheeler RETT (arts): Buyer. Aspen housing RETT: Buyer. The purchase contract can assign it differently.
How much is transfer tax on a $500,000 house in Aspen?
$6,550 in total (seller $0, buyer $6,550).
Does Colorado have a real estate transfer tax?
Not at the state level — only a documentary fee of $0.01 per $100 of price. Some resort towns charge their own transfer tax.
How much is the Colorado documentary fee on a $500,000 home?
$50 (0.01%).
Sources
- City of Aspen – Real Estate Transfer Taxes
- C.R.S. §39-13-102 Documentary fee
- Weld County Clerk & Recorder – recording a document
Last checked October 13, 2026. Rates in effect for residential sales; commercial, leasehold and entity transfers can differ. Always confirm with your title company or closing attorney before closing.