COLORADO PAYCHECK CALCULATOR — 4.4% FLAT TAX, $14,600/$29,200 DEDUCTION, NO PERSONAL EXEMPTION
Important: Colorado’s state income tax is a flat 4.4% for 2026. Standard deduction: $14,600 (single) or $29,200 (married). Colorado has NO personal exemption — you don’t get an extra deduction for yourself, your spouse, or your kids.
Denver local tax: $5.75 per month if you earn over $500. Glendale: $5. Greenwood Village: $2. Sheridan: $3.
Colorado FAMLI tax (paid family leave): 0.9% of your wages up to $183,000. TABOR refund: Colorado gives money back when the state collects more than allowed. No SDI. No tax on Social Security. Minimum wage $14.42 per hour. Updated for 2026.
Calculate your take-home pay with Colorado’s 4.4% flat tax, standard deduction ($14,600/$29,200), Denver local tax ($5.75/month), and FAMLI tax (0.9%). No signup. Instant. Free.
- 4.4% Flat Tax
- $14,600/$29,200 Deduction
- NO Personal Exemption
- Denver $5.75 Local Tax
- FAMLI 0.9%
- TABOR Refund
- No SDI
- No Tax on Social Security
- $14.42 Min Wage
- Free & No Signup
★ PaycheckCalculator.com · 2026 Tax Year
Colorado Paycheck
Calculator 2026
Accurate take-home pay with CO state tax, FAMLI & local taxes — updated for 2026
4.4% Flat State Tax
$14,600 / $29,200 Deduction
FAMLI 0.9%
Denver $5.75 Local Tax
No Personal Exemption
No SDI · No SS Tax
Min Wage $14.42/hr
Free & No Signup
Pay Type & Income
Location & Filing Status
Used for federal child tax credit only. Colorado has no personal exemption.
Pre-Tax Deductions
Annual Net Take-Home Pay
$0
Calculating...
Per Paycheck
$0
Weekly
$0
Monthly
$0
Gross Annual
$0
Colorado 2026: 4.4% flat state income tax. Standard deduction: $14,600 (single/MFS/HOH) / $29,200 (married jointly). No personal exemption. Denver local tax: $5.75/month. FAMLI: 0.9% on first $183,000. No SDI. No tax on Social Security. Minimum wage: $14.42/hr. Updated for 2026.
Tax Breakdown (Annual)
Effective Rates
Effective Federal Income Tax
—
Colorado State Tax
—
Total Tax Rate
—
Take-Home % of Gross
—
Export & Share
Quick Navigation — Jump to Any Section Click to open ▼
COLORADO TAX RATE — 4.4% FLAT TAX EXPLAINED
Colorado keeps things simple. One rate for everyone.
The state income tax is a flat 4.4%. Same percentage whether you earn $40,000 or $400,000. No brackets. No surprises.
Here’s how it works. You take your income, subtract the standard deduction based on your filing status, then multiply by 0.044. That’s your Colorado state tax.
Example — single person earning $60,000
Gross income: $60,000
Subtract standard deduction: $14,600
Taxable income: $45,400
Multiply by 4.4%: $45,400 × 0.044 = $1,997.60
That person pays $1,998 in Colorado state tax for the year.
Example — married couple earning $80,000 filing jointly
Gross income: $80,000
Subtract standard deduction: $29,200
Taxable income: $50,800
Multiply by 4.4%: $50,800 × 0.044 = $2,235.20
They pay $2,235.
Example — single person earning $100,000
Gross income: $100,000
Subtract standard deduction: $14,600
Taxable income: $85,400
Multiply by 4.4%: $85,400 × 0.044 = $3,757.60
That’s $3,758 in state tax.
No personal exemption
Here’s where people get confused. Many states let you subtract $4,000 or $5,000 per person before calculating tax. Colorado doesn’t.
You get zero deduction for yourself. Zero for your spouse. Zero for your kids. Just the standard deduction. That’s it.
So a married couple with three children gets the same $29,200 standard deduction as a married couple with no children. No extra deductions for having a bigger family.
How Colorado compares to other flat tax states
Arizona: 2.5% (lower)
Utah: 4.65% (slightly higher)
North Carolina: 4.75% (higher)
Illinois: 4.95% (higher)
Indiana: 3.23% (lower)
Michigan: 4.25% (slightly lower)
Colorado’s 4.4% sits right in the middle. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive.
What about higher incomes?
The flat rate applies to everyone. No matter how much you make.
On $200,000 for a single person:
$200,000 – $14,600 = $185,400 taxable × 0.044 = $8,157.60 state tax
On $300,000:
$300,000 – $14,600 = $285,400 taxable × 0.044 = $12,557.60
The percentage never changes. That’s the beauty of a flat tax. Simple math. No complex brackets.
Why Colorado uses a flat tax
Colorado voters approved the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) in 1992. It limits how much tax the state can collect. The flat rate is part of that system.
If the state collects more than allowed, they have to give it back. That’s the TABOR refund. More on that in a later section.
The flat rate has dropped over time. It used to be higher. In 2020 it was 4.55%. In 2021 it was 4.5%. Now it’s 4.4%. Could go lower in future years depending on state revenue.
One thing to remember
The 4.4% is just the state tax. You’ll also pay:
– Federal income tax (10% to 37%)
– Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500)
– Medicare (1.45%)
– Possibly local tax if you live in Denver, Glendale, Greenwood Village, or Sheridan
– FAMLI tax (0.9%) for paid family leave
All of these come out of your paycheck. Our calculator above includes every single one
COLORADO STANDARD DEDUCTION — $14,600 / $29,200
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income. Less taxable income means less tax.
Colorado’s standard deduction for 2026 is:
- Single filers: $14,600
- Married filing jointly: $29,200
- Head of household: $14,600
- Married filing separately: $14,600
How the deduction works
You subtract your standard deduction from your income before calculating tax.
Example — single person earning $60,000
- Gross income: $60,000
- Minus standard deduction: $14,600
- Taxable income: $45,400
- Colorado tax at 4.4%: $1,997.60
Without the deduction, tax would be $60,000 × 0.044 = $2,640
The standard deduction saves you about $642 per year.
Example — married couple earning $80,000
- Gross income: $80,000
- Minus standard deduction: $29,200
- Taxable income: $50,800
- Colorado tax at 4.4%: $2,235.20
Without the deduction, tax would be $80,000 × 0.044 = $3,520
The standard deduction saves them about $1,285 per year.
Higher earners get the same deduction
The standard deduction amount does not change based on your income. Whether you earn $40,000 or $400,000, your deduction is the same.
- A single person earning $200,000 also gets $14,600 deducted.
- A married couple earning $300,000 also gets $29,200 deducted.
No personal exemption
Remember. Colorado has no personal exemption. You don’t get an extra deduction for yourself, your spouse, or your kids.
The standard deduction is the only deduction you get.
What about itemizing?
Some people can deduct more by itemizing instead of taking the standard deduction. This makes sense if you have:
- Large mortgage interest payments
- High medical expenses (over 7.5% of your income)
- Significant charitable donations
- Large unreimbursed job expenses
For most people, the standard deduction is the better choice. It’s simple and requires no paperwork.
How the deduction compares to other states
- Arizona: $14,600 single / $29,200 married (same)
- Utah: No standard deduction
- Texas: No state income tax
- California: $5,540 single / $11,080 married (lower)
- New York: $8,000 single / $16,000 married (lower)
Colorado’s standard deduction is generous. One of the highest among states with income tax.
Why Colorado has a high standard deduction
Colorado eliminated the personal exemption a few years ago. They increased the standard deduction to compensate.
Instead of getting $5,000 per person (which adds up for large families), everyone gets the same flat deduction regardless of family size.
Simple. No tracking exemptions for each family member.
One thing to check
If you are married and filing separately, both spouses get $14,600. That’s $29,200 total. Same as filing jointly.
The math works out the same either way.
Use our calculator to see your exact tax
Enter your salary. Select your filing status. The calculator automatically applies the correct standard deduction.
No need to calculate anything yourself. The calculator does it all.
COLORADO NO PERSONAL EXEMPTION — IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
What is a personal exemption?
A personal exemption is an amount you subtract from your income for each person in your household. Most states allow $4,000 to $5,000 per person.
You get one for yourself. One for your spouse. One for each child.
Colorado does not have this.
Colorado rule
Colorado has NO personal exemption. You cannot subtract anything for yourself, your spouse, or your children.
The only deduction you get is the standard deduction.
This is one of the most common mistakes people make when calculating Colorado taxes. Many online calculators assume every state has a personal exemption. They add an extra $4,000 or $5,000 deduction that does not exist in Colorado. That makes their tax calculation wrong.
What you actually get
You get the standard deduction of $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly. That is the only deduction.
No personal exemptions. No dependent exemptions. Nothing extra.
Example — single person with no children
You earn $60,000. You subtract $14,600 standard deduction. Your Colorado taxable income is $45,400.
You do NOT subtract any personal exemption.
Many calculators would wrongly subtract another $5,000, making your taxable income $40,400. That would be incorrect.
Example — married couple with two children
You earn $80,000. You subtract $29,200 standard deduction. Your Colorado taxable income is $50,800.
You do NOT subtract any personal exemption for yourself, your spouse, or your two children.
Many calculators would wrongly subtract $5,000 per person, or $20,000 total. That would make your taxable income only $30,800. That is wrong.
Why Colorado has no personal exemption
Colorado simplified its tax system several years ago. They increased the standard deduction to $14,600 for single filers and $29,200 for married couples.
In exchange, they eliminated the personal exemption.
This makes filing simpler. You do not need to track exemptions for each family member.
How this affects your tax bill
On a $60,000 salary, the difference between having a $5,000 personal exemption and having none is $220 in taxes.
$5,000 times 4.4 percent equals $220.
This is not a huge amount, but it still matters. Getting your tax calculation right is important for budgeting.
Comparison with other states
- Arizona: NO personal exemption (same as Colorado)
- California: $5,540 personal exemption per person
- Texas: No state income tax at all
- Utah: $2,700 personal exemption per person
- New York: $8,000 personal exemption per person
Colorado is one of the few states with no personal exemption. This is unique.
Federal child tax credit still applies
Just because Colorado has no personal exemption does not mean you lose the federal child tax credit.
You still get $2,000 per child on your federal taxes. That credit directly reduces your federal tax bill.
Colorado does not offer any child credit, but the federal credit is separate and still available.
What about dependents
Colorado does not give you any extra deduction for dependents.
Whether you have zero children or five children, your Colorado standard deduction is the same.
Only your filing status matters.
- Single filers get $14,600.
- Married filers get $29,200.
How to know if a calculator is wrong
If a Colorado paycheck calculator shows a personal exemption deduction, it is wrong.
If it shows a dependent exemption, it is wrong.
If it subtracts anything other than the standard deduction for Colorado state tax, it is wrong.
Our calculator above uses the correct Colorado tax rules. No personal exemption. Only the standard deduction.
Use our calculator for accurate Colorado tax calculation
Enter your salary. Select your filing status.
The calculator applies the correct standard deduction. It does NOT add any fake personal exemption.
You will see your exact Colorado state tax.
The calculator updates instantly with every change. No buttons. No waiting. No signup.
COLORADO LOCAL TAX — DENVER $5.75, GLENDALE $5, GREENWOOD VILLAGE $2, SHERIDAN $3
Most Colorado cities have no local income tax. But four cities do.
The tax is not a percentage of your paycheck. It is a flat monthly fee. You pay the same amount each month regardless of how much you earn (as long as you meet the minimum earnings threshold).
Here are the four cities and what they charge.
Denver
Denver charges $5.75 per month. You pay this only if you earn more than $500 in a calendar month.
If you work in Denver but live elsewhere, you still pay. The tax is based on where you work, not where you live.
On a $60,000 salary, that is about $69 per year or $2.65 per biweekly paycheck.
Glendale
Glendale charges $5 per month. You pay this only if you earn more than $750 in a calendar month.
Most full-time workers in Glendale meet this threshold. Part-time workers earning under $750 per month do not pay.
On a $60,000 salary, that is about $60 per year or $2.31 per biweekly paycheck.
Greenwood Village
Greenwood Village charges $2 per month. You pay this only if you earn more than $250 in a calendar month.
Almost everyone who works in Greenwood Village meets this threshold. Even part-time workers earning minimum wage for 20 hours per week exceed $250.
On a $60,000 salary, that is about $24 per year or $0.92 per biweekly paycheck.
Sheridan
Sheridan charges $3 per month. There is no earnings threshold. Everyone who works in Sheridan pays, regardless of how much they earn.
Even if you work one day per week at minimum wage, you pay $3 per month.
On a $60,000 salary, that is about $36 per year or $1.38 per biweekly paycheck.
All other Colorado cities
Every other city in Colorado has zero local income tax.
Colorado Springs: $0
Boulder: $0
Fort Collins: $0
Aurora: $0
Lakewood: $0
Thornton: $0
Arvada: $0
Westminster: $0
Pueblo: $0
Centennial: $0
Highlands Ranch: $0
Longmont: $0
Loveland: $0
If your city is not listed above, you pay nothing.
What about remote workers?
If you live in Denver but work remotely for a company outside Denver, do you pay Denver local tax?
No. The tax is based on where you physically work. If you work from your home in Denver, you pay Denver local tax. If you work from your home in a no-tax city, you pay nothing.
If your employer is in Denver but you work remotely from Colorado Springs, you do not pay Denver tax. You pay based on where you sit, not where your employer is located.
How to know if you pay local tax
Check your pay stub. If you work in Denver, Glendale, Greenwood Village, or Sheridan, you should see a deduction labeled:
- “Denver OPT” or “Denver Occupational Privilege Tax”
- “Glendale OPT”
- “Greenwood Village OPT”
- “Sheridan OPT”
If you do not see this deduction but think you should, ask your payroll department. Some employers forget to withhold local tax.
What if your employer withholds the wrong amount?
Mistakes happen. If your employer withholds Denver tax but you work in Aurora, ask them to correct it. You may need to file for a refund from the city.
Keep your pay stubs. They are proof of what was withheld and where you worked.
How local tax compares to other states
Other states have much higher local taxes.
Philadelphia charges 3.75 percent of your entire paycheck. On a $60,000 salary, that is $2,250 per year.
New York City charges up to 3.9 percent. On a $60,000 salary, that is up to $2,340 per year.
Columbus, Ohio charges 2.5 percent. That is $1,500 per year.
Colorado’s local taxes are flat monthly fees. Much lower. Denver’s $5.75 per month is only $69 per year.
Why are these taxes so low?
These are not income taxes in the traditional sense. They are “occupational privilege taxes” or “head taxes.” The city charges a small fee for the privilege of working within city limits. The money goes toward city services like roads, police, and fire departments.
The rates have not changed in years. Denver’s $5.75 has been the same since 2012.
What if you work in multiple cities?
Some people work in Denver one day and Glendale the next. You pay tax to each city for the days you work there.
This gets complicated quickly. Most employers simplify by withholding tax for your primary work location. If you frequently work in multiple cities, consult a tax professional.
Use our calculator to include local tax
Our calculator above includes local taxes for all four cities.
Select your work city from the dropdown. If you work in Denver, the calculator adds $5.75 per month. If you work in Glendale, it adds $5. If Greenwood Village, $2. If Sheridan, $3.
For all other Colorado cities, the calculator adds zero local tax.
COLORADO FAMLI TAX — 0.9% EXPLAINED
Starting January 1, 2024, Colorado began collecting a new tax. It is called FAMLI. Stands for Family and Medical Leave Insurance.
Here is what you need to know.
What is FAMLI?
It is paid leave. If you need time off for a serious health condition, to care for a family member, or to bond with a new child, this program pays you.
You pay into it through a small tax on your paycheck. Then if you need leave, you get money from the program.
How much is the tax?
The employee contribution rate is 0.9 percent of your gross wages.
That is 90 cents for every $100 you earn.
You pay this tax only on the first $183,000 of earnings per year. If you earn more than $183,000, you stop paying once you hit that cap.
Examples
On a $60,000 salary:
$60,000 × 0.009 = $540 per year
That is about $20.77 per biweekly paycheck
On a $100,000 salary:
$100,000 × 0.009 = $900 per year
That is about $34.62 per biweekly paycheck
On a $150,000 salary:
$150,000 × 0.009 = $1,350 per year
That is about $51.92 per biweekly paycheck
On a $200,000 salary:
You pay 0.9% on the first $183,000 only.
$183,000 × 0.009 = $1,647 per year
That is about $63.35 per biweekly paycheck
Who pays this tax?
All Colorado employees pay FAMLI tax. There is no exemption for part-time workers, seasonal workers, or contractors classified as employees.
If you receive a W-2 from your employer, you pay.
Self-employed workers can opt in voluntarily. They are not required to pay but can choose to participate.
Does my employer pay too?
Yes. Employers also contribute. But the employee portion is the one you see on your pay stub.
The total rate is higher. Employees pay 0.9%. Employers pay the rest. The exact split depends on the size of the employer.
What benefits does FAMLI provide?
Up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year. In some cases, up to 16 weeks for pregnancy or childbirth complications.
You receive a percentage of your average weekly wage. The benefit ranges from 50% to 90% of your wages, up to a maximum weekly benefit.
For 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is expected to be around $1,100 to $1,200 per week.
When can you use it?
You can use FAMLI leave for:
- Your own serious health condition (illness, injury, surgery recovery)
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Bonding with a new child after birth, adoption, or foster care placement
- Military family leave (when a family member is deployed)
- Safe leave (for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault)
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. The first 7 days of leave are unpaid. You must use your own paid time off or go without pay for that week.
After the first 7 days, FAMLI benefits kick in.
How is this different from SDI?
Colorado does not have SDI (State Disability Insurance). States like California have SDI, which covers only medical leave.
FAMLI covers both medical leave AND family leave. It is broader.
California workers pay 1.1% for SDI. Colorado workers pay 0.9% for FAMLI. Colorado’s rate is slightly lower.
Why was FAMLI created?
Before 2024, Colorado had no paid leave program. If you needed time off for a serious illness or to care for a family member, you either used your vacation days or took unpaid leave.
Many people could not afford unpaid leave. They went back to work too soon or lost their jobs.
FAMLI solves that. You pay a small amount from each paycheck. If you need leave, you get paid.
Do all employers have to participate?
Most do. Employers with at least one employee must participate. Very small employers (fewer than 10 employees) may opt out but can choose to participate.
If your employer opts out, you do not pay the tax and you are not covered.
How to check if your employer is withholding FAMLI
Look at your pay stub. You should see a deduction labeled:
- “CO FAMLI”
- “CO Family Leave”
- “Colorado FAMLI”
- “Paid Family Leave”
If you do not see this deduction but think you should, ask your payroll department.
When does the tax appear on my paycheck?
Employers started withholding FAMLI tax on January 1, 2024. If you were employed in Colorado before 2024, you should see it on your pay stubs.
If you started a new job in 2024 or later, your employer should have set it up from your first paycheck.
What if I work remotely for an out-of-state company?
If you live in Colorado but work remotely for a company in another state, you still pay FAMLI tax. The tax is based on where you live, not where your employer is located.
If your out-of-state employer is not withholding FAMLI tax, you may need to make estimated payments directly to Colorado.
Can I opt out?
No. Employees cannot opt out of FAMLI tax. It is mandatory if your employer participates.
The only way to not pay is if your employer does not participate (very small employers may opt out) or if you are self-employed and choose not to opt in.
What happens to the money?
The money goes into a trust fund managed by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. It is not mixed with the state’s general fund. It can only be used for FAMLI benefits and administration.
Why most calculators miss this tax
FAMLI is new. Many online paycheck calculators were built before 2024 and never updated. They do not include this 0.9% deduction.
ADP, Gusto, and PaycheckCity have updated their calculators. But many smaller calculators still miss it.
Our calculator above includes FAMLI tax at the correct 0.9% rate.
COLORADO TABOR REFUND — WHAT IT IS AND HOW MUCH YOU GET
TABOR stands for Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Colorado voters approved it in 1992.
It is a law that limits how much tax the state can collect. If the state collects more than the limit, it must give the extra money back to taxpayers.
That is the TABOR refund.
How does TABOR work?
The Colorado constitution sets a limit on state revenue. The limit is based on population growth plus inflation.
If state revenue exceeds that limit, the excess must be refunded to taxpayers. The state cannot keep it. Cannot spend it. Has to give it back.
Think of it like this. You tell your landlord they can only take $1,000 per month for rent. If they accidentally take $1,200, they have to give you back the extra $200.
Same idea. Colorado is the landlord. You are the taxpayer.
How much will I get in 2026?
The refund amount changes every year. It depends on how much extra revenue the state collected.
For the 2026 tax year (returns filed in early 2027), estimates suggest refunds between $800 and $1,500 per taxpayer.
These are estimates. The actual amount will be confirmed when the state calculates its final revenue numbers.
Who qualifies for the TABOR refund?
You qualify if you:
- Lived in Colorado for the entire tax year
- Filed a Colorado state tax return
- Were at least 18 years old
Part-year residents get a partial refund. The amount is prorated based on how many months you lived in Colorado.
Do I need to apply for the refund?
No. You do not need to fill out a separate form. The refund is automatically calculated on your Colorado tax return.
When you file Form 104, the state determines if you are eligible and adds the refund to your return.
How do I receive the refund?
You have two choices.
First, you can take it as a direct deposit or check. The state sends the money to you separately from your tax refund.
Second, you can apply it to next year’s taxes. That means you pay less tax the following year.
Most people take the cash.
History of TABOR refunds
TABOR has been in place for over 30 years. It has returned billions of dollars to Colorado taxpayers.
Some recent refund amounts:
2022: $750 per person
2023: $800 per person
2024: $900 per person
2025: $1,000 per person (estimated)
The refunds tend to increase when the economy is strong. They decrease or disappear during recessions. In 2020, during COVID, there was no refund because state revenue dropped.
Why is TABOR unique?
No other state has a law like this. Most states keep any extra tax revenue. They spend it on new programs or save it.
Colorado sends it back to you.
This is why Colorado has lower taxes than many other states. The TABOR limit forces the state to be careful with spending.
What critics say about TABOR
Some people argue TABOR is too strict. They say it prevents the state from funding schools, roads, and healthcare adequately.
Others argue it protects taxpayers from government overspending.
The debate has been going on for 30 years. Voters have rejected multiple attempts to weaken or repeal TABOR.
How TABOR affects your paycheck
TABOR keeps state taxes lower than they would otherwise be. The state cannot raise taxes without voter approval.
Your paycheck is bigger because of TABOR. And you get a refund on top of that.
Example
Let us say you earn $60,000. Your Colorado state tax is about $1,998 per year.
Without TABOR, the tax might be higher. Other states with similar economies charge 5% to 7%.
At 6%, your tax would be about $2,724 per year. TABOR saves you about $726 per year. Plus you get a refund of $800 to $1,500.
Total savings: $1,500 to $2,200 per year.
Can TABOR be changed?
Yes. It would require another vote of the people. Several attempts have been made. All have failed.
The most recent attempt was in 2024. Voters rejected it.
For now, TABOR remains in place.
What if I moved to Colorado mid-year?
You get a partial refund. The state calculates how many months you lived in Colorado.
If you moved to Colorado in July, you lived here for 6 months. You get half the refund amount.
If you moved out of Colorado during the year, you also get a partial refund based on months lived here.
What about non-residents?
Non-residents do not qualify for TABOR refunds. You must be a Colorado resident for the entire tax year (or a part-year resident for a partial refund).
If you work in Colorado but live in another state, you pay Colorado tax but do not get the TABOR refund.
How to check your TABOR refund status
When you file your Colorado tax return, the refund is calculated automatically. You will see it on Form 104, usually on line 25 or 26.
If you use tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, the software calculates it for you.
You can also check the Colorado Department of Revenue website. They post TABOR refund information each year.
Why most calculators miss TABOR
TABOR is complicated. The refund amount changes every year. Many calculators ignore it entirely.
Our calculator above includes a TABOR refund estimate. It is based on the current year’s projections.
The estimate is not guaranteed. The actual refund depends on state revenue. But it gives you a good idea of what to expect.
Use our calculator to see your take-home pay
Enter your salary. Select your filing status. The calculator shows:
- Your Colorado state tax
- Your estimated TABOR refund
- Your net take-home pay including the refund
COLORADO MINIMUM WAGE — $14.42 PER HOUR
olorado’s minimum wage for 2026 is $14.42 per hour.
That is for non-tipped employees. Tipped employees have a different rate.
This is much higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Colorado chose to set its own higher rate.
Who gets paid $14.42?
Most employees in Colorado must be paid at least $14.42 per hour. This includes:
- Full-time workers
- Part-time workers
- Seasonal workers
- Temporary workers
- Hourly employees
Salaried employees are different. They must earn at least $684 per week to be exempt from overtime. That works out to about $17.10 per hour for a 40-hour week.
What about tipped employees?
Tipped employees have a lower minimum wage. The employer can pay a lower base wage if tips make up the difference.
For 2026, the tipped minimum wage in Colorado is about $11.40 per hour. The exact amount adjusts with inflation.
If tips do not bring the employee up to $14.42 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.
Example — restaurant server
A server earns $11.40 per hour base wage. They work 40 hours. Base pay is $456.
They receive $200 in tips during the week. Total is $656.
$14.42 × 40 hours = $576.80 minimum required. The server earned $656, which is above the minimum. No extra pay needed.
If tips were only $100, total would be $556. That is below $576.80. The employer must add $20.80 to reach the minimum.
How often does the minimum wage increase?
Every year on January 1. The rate is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures inflation.
If inflation goes up, the minimum wage goes up. If inflation is low, the increase is small. If there is deflation (prices drop), the minimum wage stays the same. It never goes down.
Recent minimum wage history
2022: $12.56 per hour
2023: $13.65 per hour
2024: $14.42 per hour
2025: $14.81 per hour (estimated)
2026: $14.42 per hour (actual, based on lower inflation)
The rate does not always go up. In 2026, inflation was lower, so the increase was smaller.
How does overtime work?
Overtime is 1.5 times your regular rate for any hours worked over 40 in a workweek.
Example — $15 per hour, 45 hours worked
Regular pay: 40 hours × $15 = $600
Overtime pay: 5 hours × $22.50 = $112.50
Total gross: $712.50
If you earn minimum wage of $14.42, your overtime rate is $21.63 per hour.
Who is exempt from minimum wage?
Some workers are exempt from minimum wage laws:
- Salaried executive, administrative, and professional employees earning at least $684 per week
- Outside salespeople
- Some agricultural workers
- Some seasonal workers at certain types of businesses
Independent contractors are also exempt because they are not employees.
What cities have higher minimum wages?
Unlike some states where cities like Seattle or New York City set their own higher minimum wages, Colorado cities cannot do this.
State law prevents cities from setting their own minimum wage rates. The state rate applies everywhere in Colorado.
Denver: $14.42 per hour
Colorado Springs: $14.42
Boulder: $14.42
Fort Collins: $14.42
Aurora: $14.42
All the same.
How does Colorado compare to neighboring states?
Colorado: $14.42 per hour
Wyoming: $7.25 (follows federal)
Nebraska: $12.00
Kansas: $7.25
New Mexico: $12.00
Utah: $7.25
Arizona: $14.70
Colorado has one of the highest minimum wages in the region. Only Arizona is slightly higher.
What about younger workers?
Colorado does not have a separate youth minimum wage. Workers under 18 get the same $14.42 per hour as everyone else.
Some states allow lower wages for teenagers. Colorado does not.
What if my employer pays less than $14.42?
That is illegal. You can file a complaint with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Keep records of your hours and pay. Save your pay stubs. Write down days and times you worked.
The department can investigate and order your employer to pay you the difference. You may also get additional damages.
How does minimum wage affect my take-home pay?
At $14.42 per hour working 40 hours per week:
Weekly gross: $576.80
Monthly gross: about $2,500
Annual gross: about $30,000
After federal tax, Colorado state tax, Social Security, Medicare, and FAMLI tax, your take-home pay is approximately $24,000 to $25,000 per year.
That is about $460 to $480 per week.
Use our calculator above. Enter $14.42 as your hourly rate and 40 hours per week. Select Colorado as your state. Choose your filing status.
The calculator shows your weekly, biweekly, and monthly take-home pay after all taxes.
What about overtime at minimum wage?
If you work overtime at minimum wage, your rate is $21.63 per hour.
Example: 45 hours per week at $14.42
Regular 40 hours: $576.80
Overtime 5 hours: $108.15
Total weekly gross: $684.95
Annual gross: about $35,600
After taxes, your take-home is about $28,000 to $29,000 per year.
Will minimum wage increase in 2027?
Almost certainly yes. The rate adjusts for inflation every January 1.
If inflation runs at 2% to 3% per year, the 2027 minimum wage will be around $14.70 to $14.85 per hour.
Check the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment website for the official rate each December.
Why does Colorado have a higher minimum wage than most states?
Colorado voters approved annual inflation adjustments in 2016. The goal was to ensure minimum wage workers do not lose purchasing power over time.
When prices go up, wages go up. Workers can afford the same basic goods and services year after year.
The system has worked well. Colorado’s minimum wage has increased steadily without needing new laws or votes every few years.
One thing to remember
Minimum wage is gross pay before taxes. Your take-home pay is lower.
Many people think “I earn $14.42 per hour, so I should get $576 per week.” But after taxes, you actually get about $460 to $480.
Our calculator above shows you the real number. The amount that actually lands in your bank account.
COLORADO NO SDI AND NO TAX ON SOCIAL SECURITY
Two things Colorado does not take from your paycheck. Both save you money.
No SDI tax
SDI stands for State Disability Insurance. It is a tax that funds disability benefits for workers who cannot work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
Only a handful of states have this tax. Colorado is not one of them.
California has the highest SDI tax at 1.1 percent. New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New York also have SDI taxes.
Colorado workers pay nothing for SDI.
What this means for you
If you move from California to Colorado, that 1.1 percent tax disappears.
On a $60,000 salary, you save about $660 per year.
On a $100,000 salary, you save about $1,100 per year.
On a $150,000 salary, you save about $1,650 per year.
That money stays in your paycheck.
Example — moving from California to Denver
You earn $80,000 per year. In California, you paid SDI tax of 1.1 percent. That is $880 per year.
You move to Denver. That $880 goes away. Your take-home pay increases by $880 per year. About $73 more per month.
What about FAMLI? Isn’t that similar?
FAMLI is different. FAMLI is paid family and medical leave. It covers both your own medical leave AND family leave (like bonding with a new child).
SDI only covers your own medical leave. Not family leave.
Colorado has FAMLI (0.9 percent) instead of SDI. The rate is lower than California’s 1.1 percent. And you get more benefits (family leave included).
So you pay less and get more.
No tax on Social Security benefits
This is huge for retirees.
Colorado does not tax Social Security benefits at all. Whether you receive $10,000 per year or $50,000 per year in Social Security, you pay zero Colorado state tax on that money.
Many states still tax Social Security.
States that tax Social Security benefits
Colorado: No tax
Arizona: No tax
California: No tax (but high other taxes)
Texas: No state income tax at all
Florida: No state income tax at all
But these states still tax Social Security:
Colorado: NO (good)
Utah: YES (partially)
Connecticut: YES
Kansas: YES
Minnesota: YES
Missouri: YES
Montana: YES
Nebraska: YES
New Mexico: YES
North Dakota: YES
Rhode Island: YES
Vermont: YES
West Virginia: YES
If you are retired and considering moving to Colorado, this is a big deal.
Example — retired couple with $50,000 Social Security
In Colorado: You pay $0 state tax on that $50,000.
In Utah: You would pay about $1,200 to $1,500 in state tax.
In Connecticut: About $1,200 to $1,800.
In Kansas: About $1,400 to $1,800.
Colorado saves you over $1,000 per year compared to those states.
What about other retirement income?
Colorado taxes pensions, 401k withdrawals, and IRA withdrawals as regular income at the 4.4 percent flat rate.
Only Social Security benefits are fully exempt.
If you have a pension, you will pay Colorado state tax. But your Social Security remains untouched.
Example — retired couple with $40,000 pension + $30,000 Social Security
Pension: Taxed at 4.4% = $1,760
Social Security: Taxed at 0% = $0
Total Colorado tax: $1,760
In a state that taxes Social Security, that same couple might pay $2,000 to $3,000 more.
How to check if your employer is withholding SDI
If you live and work in Colorado, your employer should NOT withhold SDI tax.
Check your pay stub. If you see a deduction labeled:
- “SDI”
- “CA SDI”
- “State Disability”
- “TDI”
Ask your payroll department why. You may be overpaying. This is more common if your company is based in California or another SDI state but you work remotely from Colorado.
Some out-of-state employers mistakenly withhold their home state’s taxes. They should not. You pay Colorado taxes, not California SDI.
What about workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is different from SDI. Workers’ comp covers injuries that happen at work.
SDI covers illnesses or injuries that happen outside work. Colorado has no SDI, but employers still carry workers’ comp insurance.
Workers’ comp premiums are paid by employers, not by employees. You never see a workers’ comp deduction on your paycheck.
What about unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance is also different. It covers workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
In Colorado, unemployment insurance is paid entirely by employers. You do not see an unemployment deduction on your paycheck.
What about paid family leave?
Colorado has FAMLI (0.9 percent) for paid family and medical leave. That is different from SDI.
FAMLI covers:
- Your own serious health condition
- Caring for a family member with a serious health condition
- Bonding with a new child
- Military family leave
- Safe leave (domestic violence, stalking, assault)
SDI in California covers only your own medical condition. Not family leave.
So Colorado’s FAMLI gives you more coverage at a lower rate.
The combination of no SDI and no tax on Social Security saves Colorado residents thousands of dollars per year.
A middle-income worker saves about $660 to $1,100 per year compared to California.
A retired couple with Social Security benefits saves another $1,000 to $2,000 per year compared to states that tax Social Security.
For a family or retiree, that is real money.
REAL EXAMPLE — $100,000 SALARY IN COLORADO WITH KEVIN
Let us walk through a real example. Meet Kevin.
Kevin lives in Denver, Colorado. He earns $100,000 per year. He is single, has no dependents, and contributes 5 percent to his 401k. He also pays $150 per paycheck for health insurance.
He lives and works in Denver, so he pays the Denver local tax of $5.75 per month.
Here is exactly how his paycheck breaks down step by step.
Step 1 — Gross pay per year and per paycheck
Kevin earns $100,000 per year. He gets paid every two weeks, which means 26 paychecks per year.
$100,000 divided by 26 equals $3,846.15 gross pay per paycheck before any deductions.
Step 2 — Pre-tax deductions
Kevin contributes 5 percent of his salary to his 401k.
$3,846.15 × 0.05 = $192.31 per paycheck going to his retirement account.
He also pays $150 per paycheck for health insurance.
Total pre-tax deductions per paycheck: $192.31 + $150 = $342.31
Step 3 — Taxable gross pay for federal taxes
Taxable gross pay for federal taxes is what remains after pre-tax deductions are removed.
$3,846.15 – $342.31 = $3,503.84 taxable gross per paycheck.
This is the amount on which Kevin pays federal taxes.
Step 4 — Federal income tax
First, annualize the taxable gross pay.
$3,503.84 × 26 paychecks = $91,099.84 annual taxable income.
Subtract the federal standard deduction for a single filer. That is $15,000 in 2026.
Taxable income becomes $76,099.84.
Now apply the 2026 federal tax brackets for a single filer:
10% on the first $11,925 = $1,192.50
12% on income from $11,926 to $48,475 = $4,386
22% on income from $48,476 to $76,099 = $6,077
Total annual federal tax: $1,192.50 + $4,386 + $6,077 = $11,655.50
Divide by 26 paychecks. Federal tax per paycheck is approximately $448.29.
Step 5 — Colorado state income tax
Colorado has a flat tax of 4.4 percent.
First, annual gross after pre-tax deductions:
$100,000 – ($342.31 × 26) = $100,000 – $8,900 = $91,100
Subtract Colorado standard deduction for a single filer. That is $14,600 in 2026.
Colorado taxable income: $91,100 – $14,600 = $76,500
Multiply by 4.4 percent: $76,500 × 0.044 = $3,366 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks. Colorado state tax per paycheck is approximately $129.46.
Step 6 — Denver local tax
Kevin lives and works in Denver. Denver local tax is $5.75 per month.
$5.75 × 12 months = $69 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks = $2.65 per paycheck
Step 7 — Colorado FAMLI tax
FAMLI tax is 0.9 percent on the first $183,000 of wages.
Kevin’s salary of $100,000 is below the cap.
$100,000 × 0.009 = $900 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks = $34.62 per paycheck
Step 8 — Social Security and Medicare
FICA taxes are calculated on gross pay before pre-tax deductions.
Social Security is 6.2 percent of gross pay.
$3,846.15 × 0.062 = $238.46 per paycheck
Medicare is 1.45 percent of gross pay.
$3,846.15 × 0.0145 = $55.77 per paycheck
Total FICA per paycheck: $238.46 + $55.77 = $294.23
Step 9 — Net pay take-home pay
Now subtract all deductions from gross pay:
Gross pay: $3,846.15
Minus pre-tax deductions: $342.31
Minus federal tax: $448.29
Minus Colorado state tax: $129.46
Minus Denver local tax: $2.65
Minus FAMLI tax: $34.62
Minus Social Security: $238.46
Minus Medicare: $55.77
The math:
$3,846.15 – $342.31 = $3,503.84
$3,503.84 – $448.29 = $3,055.55
$3,055.55 – $129.46 = $2,926.09
$2,926.09 – $2.65 = $2,923.44
$2,923.44 – $34.62 = $2,888.82
$2,888.82 – $238.46 = $2,650.36
$2,650.36 – $55.77 = $2,594.59
Kevin’s net take-home pay per biweekly paycheck is approximately $2,595.
Summary — where did Kevin’s money go?
From each $3,846.15 paycheck:
$192.31 goes to his 401k retirement account
$150 goes to his health insurance premium
$448.29 goes to federal income tax
$129.46 goes to Colorado state tax (4.4% flat)
$2.65 goes to Denver local tax
$34.62 goes to FAMLI tax (0.9%)
$238.46 goes to Social Security
$55.77 goes to Medicare
After all these deductions, Kevin takes home $2,595 in net pay per paycheck.
This means Kevin keeps about 67.5 percent of his gross pay. The other 32.5 percent goes to taxes, retirement, and health insurance.
What if Kevin lived in a city with no local tax?
If Kevin lived in Colorado Springs instead of Denver, he would pay zero local tax.
His net pay would be about $2,598 per paycheck. That is $3 more per paycheck or $78 more per year.
Not a huge difference, but every dollar counts.
What if Kevin had no 401k or health insurance?
If Kevin had no 401k contribution and no health insurance deduction, his gross pay would remain $3,846 per paycheck.
But his taxable income would be higher.
His federal tax would increase to about $500 per paycheck. His Colorado state tax would increase to about $148 per paycheck. His net pay would actually be lower by about $50 per paycheck even though his gross pay is the same.
This shows the power of pre-tax deductions. They reduce your taxable income and save you more in taxes than they cost you in take-home pay.
What if Kevin increased his 401k to 10 percent?
If Kevin increased his 401k contribution from 5 percent to 10 percent, his 401k deduction would increase from $192 to $384 per paycheck.
His federal taxable income would decrease, so his federal tax would drop by about $40 per paycheck. His Colorado state tax would also drop.
His net pay would decrease by about $110 per paycheck while saving an additional $192 for retirement.
What if Kevin was married with two children?
If Kevin was married filing jointly with two children, his situation would change significantly.
For federal taxes, his standard deduction would increase to $30,000 and he would get a $4,000 child tax credit. His federal tax would drop from $11,655 to approximately $5,500 per year.
For Colorado taxes, his standard deduction would increase to $29,200 (married filing jointly). Colorado has no personal exemption and no child deduction, so his children do not affect his Colorado tax directly. But the higher standard deduction helps.
His net pay would increase by about $280 per paycheck.
What if Kevin’s salary was different?
Our calculator works for ANY salary. Try it yourself.
Enter $50,000. Enter $75,000. Enter $120,000. Enter $200,000.
The calculator updates instantly. You see your exact take-home pay for YOUR salary.
Why this example matters
Most calculators just show you a number. They do not show you the math.
Kevin’s example shows you exactly where every dollar goes. You can follow along with your own numbers.
The same math applies to you. Just different numbers.
Use our calculator to test your own numbers
Try our calculator above. Change the salary to your actual earnings. Change the filing status if you are married. Add your dependents. Increase or decrease your 401k contribution.
The calculator includes:
Colorado 4.4% flat tax
Colorado standard deduction ($14,600 single / $29,200 married)
NO personal exemption
Local tax if you live in Denver, Glendale, Greenwood Village, or Sheridan
FAMLI tax (0.9%)
No SDI
No tax on Social Security
WHAT IF SCENARIOS — MARRIAGE, KIDS, 401k CHANGES, DIFFERENT CITIES
Kevin’s example shows one situation. Single, no kids, lives in Denver, 5% 401k.
But your situation might be different.
Here is how changing different factors affects your take-home pay in Colorado.
Scenario 1 — What if Kevin lived in a city with no local tax?
Kevin lives in Denver. He pays $2.65 per biweekly paycheck in Denver local tax.
If Kevin moved to Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, or any city not on the local tax list, he would pay zero local tax.
His net pay would increase by $2.65 per paycheck. That is about $69 per year.
Not a huge difference, but money is money.
Scenario 2 — What if Kevin had no 401k or health insurance?
Kevin contributes 5% to his 401k ($192 per paycheck) and pays $150 for health insurance.
If he had no 401k and no health insurance, his gross pay would stay the same.
But his taxable income would be higher.
His federal tax would increase by about $40 per paycheck. His Colorado state tax would increase by about $18 per paycheck. His net pay would actually decrease by about $50 per paycheck.
No 401k also means no retirement savings. So he loses twice. Less take-home pay today. Less savings for tomorrow.
The lesson: pre-tax deductions save you more in taxes than they cost you in take-home pay.
Scenario 3 — What if Kevin increased his 401k to 10%?
Kevin currently contributes 5% ($192 per paycheck). If he increases to 10% ($384 per paycheck), his 401k deduction doubles.
His federal taxable income drops. His federal tax drops by about $40 per paycheck. His Colorado state tax drops by about $8 per paycheck.
His net pay decreases by about $110 per paycheck. But he saves an extra $192 per paycheck for retirement.
Net effect: He puts $192 more into retirement. His paycheck only drops by $110. The $82 difference is tax savings.
Scenario 4 — What if Kevin decreased his 401k to 0%?
If Kevin stopped all 401k contributions, his paycheck would increase by about $110 per paycheck.
But he would lose $192 per paycheck in retirement savings. And he would pay about $82 more in taxes.
Short-term gain, long-term loss. Not recommended.
Scenario 5 — What if Kevin was married filing jointly with no children?
If Kevin got married and filed jointly with the same $100,000 household income, his federal standard deduction would increase from $15,000 to $30,000.
His federal tax would drop from $11,655 per year to approximately $7,500 per year.
His Colorado standard deduction would increase from $14,600 to $29,200.
His Colorado state tax would drop from $3,366 per year to approximately $2,500 per year.
His net pay would increase by about $180 per paycheck.
Getting married saves you money in Colorado.
Scenario 6 — What if Kevin was married with two children?
If Kevin had two children under 17, he would get the federal child tax credit of $2,000 per child. That is $4,000 total.
His federal tax would drop from $11,655 to approximately $5,500 per year.
For Colorado, children do not affect your state tax. Colorado has no personal exemption and no child deduction. The standard deduction stays the same regardless of how many children you have.
His net pay would increase by about $280 per paycheck compared to single Kevin.
Scenario 7 — What if Kevin was single with one child?
If Kevin had one child but remained single, he would get the federal child tax credit of $2,000.
His federal tax would drop from $11,655 to approximately $9,655 per year.
His Colorado tax stays the same because Colorado does not give deductions for children.
His net pay would increase by about $77 per paycheck compared to single Kevin with no children.
Scenario 8 — What if Kevin earned less ($60,000 instead of $100,000)?
If Kevin earned $60,000 with the same single filing status:
Gross pay: $60,000
401k (5%): $3,000
Health insurance: $3,900 ($150 × 26)
Colorado taxable income: $60,000 – $6,900 – $14,600 = $38,500
Colorado state tax: $38,500 × 0.044 = $1,694 per year
Federal tax: approximately $5,200 per year
Approximate net pay per biweekly paycheck: $1,850
That is about $745 less per paycheck than $100,000 Kevin.
Scenario 9 — What if Kevin earned more ($150,000 instead of $100,000)?
If Kevin earned $150,000 with the same single filing status:
Gross pay: $150,000
401k (5%): $7,500
Health insurance: $3,900
Colorado taxable income: $150,000 – $11,400 – $14,600 = $124,000
Colorado state tax: $124,000 × 0.044 = $5,456 per year
Federal tax: approximately $25,000 per year
Approximate net pay per biweekly paycheck: $3,700
That is about $1,105 more per paycheck than $100,000 Kevin.
Scenario 10 — What if Kevin lived in Glendale instead of Denver?
Glendale charges $5 per month local tax (if you earn over $750 per month).
Kevin earns well over $750 per month, so he pays.
$5 × 12 = $60 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks = $2.31 per paycheck
Denver charges $5.75 per month ($2.65 per paycheck). Glendale charges $5 per month ($2.31 per paycheck).
Kevin would save about $0.34 per paycheck living in Glendale instead of Denver. That is about $9 per year.
Scenario 11 — What if Kevin lived in Greenwood Village?
Greenwood Village charges $2 per month (if you earn over $250 per month).
$2 × 12 = $24 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks = $0.92 per paycheck
Compared to Denver ($2.65 per paycheck), Kevin would save $1.73 per paycheck living in Greenwood Village. That is about $45 per year.
Scenario 12 — What if Kevin lived in Sheridan?
Sheridan charges $3 per month with no earnings threshold.
$3 × 12 = $36 per year
Divide by 26 paychecks = $1.38 per paycheck
Compared to Denver ($2.65 per paycheck), Kevin would save $1.27 per paycheck living in Sheridan. That is about $33 per year.
Scenario 13 — What if Kevin was head of household?
If Kevin had a dependent child and qualified as head of household, his federal standard deduction would increase from $15,000 to $22,500.
His Colorado standard deduction for head of household is $14,600 (same as single).
His federal tax would drop significantly. His Colorado tax stays the same.
Net pay increase compared to single: about $100 per paycheck.
Scenario 14 — What if Kevin worked part-time (20 hours per week)?
If Kevin worked 20 hours per week at $48 per hour (same $100,000 annual equivalent):
His annual gross would still be $100,000. His taxes would be the same as full-time Kevin.
Part-time vs full-time does not change your tax rate. Only total annual income matters.
Scenario 15 — What if Kevin was self-employed?
Self-employed workers pay higher taxes. They pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare.
Instead of 7.65% total (Social Security + Medicare), self-employed workers pay 15.3%.
On $100,000, that is an extra $7,650 per year in self-employment tax.
Our calculator is designed for W-2 employees where taxes are withheld from paychecks. Self-employed workers should use a self-employment tax calculator or consult a tax professional.
Summary — how different factors affect your take-home pay
| Change | Effect on Net Pay |
|---|---|
| No local tax city | +$2.65 per paycheck |
| No 401k or health insurance | -$50 per paycheck |
| Increase 401k to 10% | -$110 per paycheck, +$192 savings |
| Married, no children | +$180 per paycheck |
| Married, two children | +$280 per paycheck |
| Single, one child | +$77 per paycheck |
| $60,000 salary (instead of $100k) | -$745 per paycheck |
| $150,000 salary (instead of $100k) | +$1,105 per paycheck |
| Live in Glendale (vs Denver) | +$0.34 per paycheck |
| Live in Greenwood Village (vs Denver) | +$1.73 per paycheck |
| Live in Sheridan (vs Denver) | +$1.27 per paycheck |
| Head of household | +$100 per paycheck |
Use our calculator to test your own situation
Our calculator above lets you change every variable. Salary. Filing status. Dependents. 401k percentage. Health insurance. Work city.
Change any number. Results update instantly.
You will see exactly how your take-home pay changes with each decision.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colorado Paycheck
Here are answers to the most common questions people ask about Colorado Paycheck , taxes, and take-home pay.
4.4 percent flat rate. Same for everyone. No brackets.
Yes. $14,600 for single filers. $29,200 for married couples filing jointly.
No. Colorado has NO personal exemption. You only get the standard deduction.
Yes. Denver charges $5.75 per month if you earn over $500. Glendale, Greenwood Village, and Sheridan also have small monthly fees. All other Colorado cities have zero local tax.
Colorado's paid family and medical leave tax. Employee pays 0.9% on the first $183,000 of wages.
Colorado gives money back when the state collects more tax than allowed. For 2026, expect $800 to $1,500 per taxpayer.
No. Zero state tax on Social Security.
No. Only California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New York have SDI.
$14.42 per hour for 2026. Tipped employees have a lower base wage.
Use our calculator above. Enter your salary. See your annual Colorado tax. Divide by your number of paychecks. Compare to your pay stub.
Colorado state tax. Your employer should withhold Colorado tax, not the other state's tax.
Your standard deduction doubles. Single filers get $14,600. Married filing jointly get $29,200. Your tax bill will likely decrease.
Use our calculator above for your exact numbers. The calculator includes Colorado 4.4% flat tax, standard deduction, NO personal exemption, local tax, FAMLI 0.9%, and all federal taxes
Related Calculators You May Find Useful
Need more than just a Colorado paycheck calculator? Here are other free tools that can help with your financial planning.
Hourly to Salary Calculator
Convert your hourly wage to annual salary. Or convert annual salary to hourly rate. Perfect for comparing job offers. One job pays $30 per hour. Another pays $65,000 per year. Which is better? This calculator tells you.
Use Hourly to Salary Calculator
Overtime Calculator
See how much overtime pay increases your take-home paycheck after taxes. Enter your regular rate, regular hours, and overtime hours. The calculator shows your gross pay and net take-home after federal tax, Colorado state tax, Social Security, and Medicare.
Bonus Tax Calculator
Your $5,000 bonus is not $5,000 in your pocket. Federal withholding on bonuses is a flat 22 percent. Plus Colorado state tax (4.4%), Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). This calculator shows exactly how much you keep.
401k Calculator
Compare different 401k contribution percentages. See how increasing your 401k affects your take-home pay and your retirement savings. You might be surprised. A 1% increase costs you less than you think because of tax savings.
Salary Comparison Calculator
Compare two job offers side by side. Different salaries. Different states. Different benefits. See which offer gives you more take-home pay after all taxes.
Use Salary Comparison Calculator
Paycheck Calculator (All 50 States)
Calculate take-home pay for any state. Select your state from the dropdown. California, Texas, Florida, New York, Colorado, and all others. The calculator uses the correct state tax rates, standard deductions, and special rules for each state.
Arizona Paycheck Calculator
Arizona has a 2.5% flat tax with a $14,600 standard deduction. No local tax. No SDI. No tax on Social Security. See how much more you take home compared to Colorado.
Use Arizona Paycheck Calculator
Texas Paycheck Calculator
Texas has no state income tax. No SDI. No local tax. See how much more you take home in Texas compared to Colorado. The difference might surprise you.
California Paycheck Calculator
California has a progressive income tax up to 13.3% plus 1.1% SDI. See exactly how much comes out of your paycheck in California compared to Colorado.
Use California Paycheck Calculator
Florida Paycheck Calculator
Florida has no state income tax. Perfect for snowbirds and remote workers. See your exact take-home pay in Florida.
Use Florida Paycheck Calculator
New York Paycheck Calculator
New York has progressive income tax up to 10.9% plus NYC local tax up to 3.9%. Calculate your exact take-home pay in New York.
Use New York Paycheck Calculator
All calculators are 100% free. No signup. No email. No tracking. Results update instantly. Bookmark this page for all your paycheck calculation needs.
Why Thousands of Users Trust Our Paycheck Calculator
We understand that you are trusting us with your salary information. Here is why thousands of users choose our calculator every month.
100% free forever
No paid upgrade. No premium tier. No credit card required. Our calculator is completely free for everyone, always. You will never be asked to pay for any feature.
No signup — no email required
Your salary is your business. We never ask for your email address, name, phone number, or any personal information. No account creation. No newsletter signup. No “sign in with Google.” What you calculate stays between you and your browser.
Instant results — no button clicking
Results update as you type. No waiting. No page reloads. No “Calculate” button to find and click. Just immediate answers as you change numbers. This is faster than any competitor.
Accurate for all 50 states
We use official tax rates from the IRS, Social Security Administration, and each state’s tax authority. Our rates are verified against government sources.
Updated for 2026 tax laws
Our calculator uses the latest 2026 numbers:
Federal tax brackets: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%
Federal standard deduction: $15,000 single / $30,000 married
Social Security wage base: $184,500
Colorado specific: 4.4% flat tax, $14,600/$29,200 standard deduction, NO personal exemption, FAMLI 0.9%, Denver local tax $5.75/month
Privacy first — no tracking
We do not use Google Analytics. We do not use Facebook Pixel. We do not use any tracking scripts. Your data never leaves your browser. We do not sell your data. We do not share your data. What you calculate stays with you.
Created with tax professionals
Our calculations are reviewed by certified tax professionals (CPAs) to ensure accuracy. If tax laws change, we update our calculator within days.
Used by thousands of users monthly
Join thousands of workers who use our calculators every month to understand their take-home pay, plan their budget, compare job offers, and decide where to live.
Download and share your results
You can print your results, save as PDF, download as PNG image, or copy a shareable link to send to your spouse, HR department, or tax advisor.
No catch — no hidden fees
No “free trial” that converts to paid. No limited calculations per day. No features locked behind a paywall. Everything is free. Everything is accessible. Always.
Verified security
Your connection is encrypted. Your data never leaves your browser. All calculations happen locally on your device. We do not store any information you enter.
100% transparent
We show you exactly how we calculate every number. No black boxes. No secret formulas. You can verify every calculation yourself.
Created for workers, not for corporations
Unlike ADP, Gusto, and PaycheckCity which are designed for employers, our calculator is designed for employees. We focus on your take-home pay, not on payroll processing.
Try it yourself
Change any number above. See results instantly. No signup. No email. No tracking. Just accurate take-home pay calculated right in your browser.