With only two months of sales tax collections, coffers for both the Town of Estes Park and Visit Estes Park are showing positive results, according to reports issued this past week.
Year to date, the town has collected 6.83% more in sales tax than in 2025. Total yearly lodging taxes received by the local marketing district, which also includes properties outside the town boundaries, increased by 6% from 2025.
Town sales taxes in February were up 10.22% over those received in 2025. February’s lodging tax revenues for February were 11.6% ahead of 2025.
Taxes due in 2025 but paid in February accounted for a significant portion of the town’s receipts.
According to the town’s report issued on April 30, sectors with higher receipts indicate increased economic activity.
In all, taxes on auto purchases outpaced all other sectors, with an 82.14% increase over receipts in the same period in 2025.
The professional industry sector saw a 33.82% increase in sales tax collections. Delinquent returns of $3,071 filed in 2026 accounted for about half of the total $7,525 received in that sector.
Retailers reported 16.33% higher sales tax revenue. Lodging revenues in 2026 were up 15.7% over 2025, and restaurant receipts increased 15.13%.
Grocery receipts modestly increased 2.17% over those reported for February 2025.
Those five business sectors offset the 23.62% decrease from utilities received in 2025.
Taxable sales for businesses in both the town and VEP boundaries are recorded in the month the sales happen, even if the taxes are paid late.