Colorado Paycheck Calculator 2026

Updated 2026-07-03 — rates verified against Colorado DOR Income Tax Topics and IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32).

Colorado Payroll Tax Overview

Colorado uses a flat state income tax rate of 4.4% on all taxable wages. Unlike graduated-bracket states, every dollar you earn in Colorado above the standard deduction is taxed at the same 4.4% rate. This makes Colorado paycheck calculations straightforward and predictable.

On top of state income tax, workers in Colorado also pay federal income tax (10%–37% graduated brackets), Social Security (6.2% up to the $176,100 wage base), and Medicare (1.45%, or 2.35% above $200,000 for high earners). Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health insurance reduce both federal and state taxable income.

The 2026 federal income tax brackets for single filers: 10% on the first $11,925; 12% to $48,475; 22% to $103,350; 24% to $197,300; 32% to $250,525; 35% to $626,350; 37% above. Your effective federal rate will be well below the marginal rate at most income levels.

Federal vs Colorado Tax Burden

For a Colorado single filer earning $60,000 annually, estimated federal income tax is roughly $6,748 (11.2% effective), plus Colorado state tax of $1,850 (flat 4.4%), Social Security $3,720, and Medicare $870. Estimated annual take-home: approximately $46,800.

The flat tax structure means Colorado does not penalize additional income with a higher marginal state rate — every extra dollar earned is taxed at exactly 4.4% for state purposes. This can make Colorado attractive for higher earners who benefit from the predictability of a flat system.

Pre-tax 401(k) contributions, HSA contributions, and health insurance premiums reduce both federal and Colorado taxable income before tax is applied. Maximizing pre-tax deductions is one of the most effective ways to reduce your Colorado paycheck tax burden.

How to Use This Colorado Paycheck Calculator

Enter your pay period (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly, or annual), then input either your annual gross salary or your hourly rate and average hours per week. Select your federal filing status — single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household — as this determines your federal tax brackets and standard deduction.

If you have pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k) contribution, health insurance premium, or HSA contribution, enter the total per-period dollar amount. These reduce your taxable income before federal and state taxes are calculated. The calculator will show federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), Colorado state income tax (4.4%), your total deductions, and your net take-home pay — both per period and annualized.

Results are estimates based on standard assumptions and 2026 tax rates. Actual withholding may differ based on your W-4 elections, additional withholding, local taxes (in some cities), or retirement plan contribution limits. For precise payroll calculations, consult your payroll provider or a tax professional.

Colorado FAMLI Deduction on Your Paycheck (2026)

Colorado's Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (FAMLI) launched benefits in January 2024, funded by a payroll premium of 0.9% of wages up to the Social Security wage base ($176,100 in 2026) — split 50/50 between employee and employer, so the employee share is 0.45%. On a $60,000 salary that's roughly $270/year (about $10.38 per biweekly paycheck) taken out as "FAMLI" or "CO FAMLI" on your pay stub. Employers with fewer than 10 workers are exempt from the employer share, but employees still pay 0.45%. See the official CO FAMLI premiums page for the current rate table.

Denver & Local Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) — the $5.75 Line Item

If you work in Denver, Aurora, Glendale, Greenwood Village, or Sheridan, expect an extra flat-dollar tax that state-level paycheck calculators miss. Denver's Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) is $5.75/month deducted from any employee earning at least $500 in the city that month; the employer pays $4/month on top. Aurora is $2/month, Glendale $5, Greenwood Village $2, Sheridan $3. These are flat dollar amounts, not percentages — small annually ($30-$70) but easy to miss if you're moving from a non-CO state and wondering "what's this OPT deduction on my Colorado paycheck." See the City of Denver OPT guide for filing details. The calculator above focuses on state + federal + FICA; add the flat OPT if you work in one of the five OPT cities.

Colorado Take-Home Pay by Salary (Single Filer, 2026)

Estimate your Colorado take-home pay at a glance using this table before running the paycheck calculator above. Assumes single filer, standard deduction ($15,000 federal), no 401(k) or health-insurance pre-tax deductions, Colorado flat 4.4% state tax, FICA 7.65%, FAMLI 0.45%. Numbers are annual net; divide by 26 for biweekly.

Add Denver OPT ($69/yr flat) or FAMLI if not shown separately. For 401(k) contributions, subtract from gross before running through the table — reduces federal + state tax proportionally. Rates verified against Colorado DOR and IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (Rev. Proc. 2025-32). Updated 2026-07-15.