Tax Year 2026Updated July 21, 2026

Colorado Paycheck Calculator 2026

Q: What taxes are deducted from my Colorado paycheck?

Your Colorado paycheck has deductions for federal income tax (10%-37% progressive brackets), FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and Colorado state income tax at a flat rate of 4.40%.

Q: How does Colorado's flat income tax work?

Colorado uses a flat tax rate of 4.40% that applies to all taxable income regardless of how much you earn. Unlike graduated-bracket states where higher income is taxed at higher rates, every dollar of taxable income in Colorado is taxed at the same rate.

Q: Is Colorado's flat tax rate applied to all my income?

The flat rate applies to your taxable income , which is your gross income minus any applicable deductions or exemptions. The flat rate does not apply to income below these thresholds.

Q: Does Colorado conform to the OBBBA overtime and tips deductions?

Yes. Colorado conforms to the federal OBBBA deductions for tips and overtime. These deductions reduce both your federal and Colorado state taxable income, giving you a double benefit.

Colorado uses a flat income tax rate of 4.40% on all taxable income. Unlike states with graduated brackets, every dollar you earn above the exemption threshold is taxed at the same rate. Combined with federal income tax and FICA deductions, use the calculator below to see your actual take-home pay per pay period.

Colorado's Flat Income Tax

Colorado levies a flat 4.40% income tax on all taxable income. There are no progressive brackets - whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, the state rate is the same. This simplifies withholding calculations compared to graduated-bracket states.

Retirees may benefit from partial pension income exclusions.

How Your Colorado Paycheck Is Calculated

Gross pay: Your annual salary divided by the number of pay periods.
Federal income tax: 2026 progressive brackets (10%-37%) after the federal standard deduction of $16,100 (single) or $32,200 (MFJ).
Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $184,500.
Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000 (single).
Colorado state income tax: Flat 4.40% on taxable income.

Retirement Income in Colorado

Colorado offers a partial exclusion for pension and retirement income. Some retirement income may be exempt or receive preferential treatment depending on the source and amount. Colorado allows a pension/annuity/Social Security subtraction. For taxpayers age 55–64, the subtraction is up to $20,000 per year. For taxpayers age 65+, the subtraction is up to $24,000 per year. Applies to Social Security, pensions, annuities, and IRA distributions. Verify 2026 amounts.

What Else Comes Out of Your Paycheck in Colorado

Beyond federal income tax, FICA, and Colorado state income tax, Colorado has additional payroll deductions that may appear on your pay stub:

Program	Employee Rate	Notes
Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)	0.45%	Paid family/medical leave - may also apply

Note: These deductions are not yet computed into the net pay estimate above. They are shown as informational lines because rates require verification. Your actual take-home pay may be lower by these amounts.

Worked Examples

Example 1: $110,000/year - Married Filing Jointly, Monthly

Profile: $110,000 annual salary, Married Filing Jointly filer, paid monthly (12 paychecks/year)

Gross per period: $9,166.67
Federal income tax: -$736.67
Social Security: -$568.33
Medicare: -$132.92
Colorado state income tax: -$403.33
Net take-home pay: $7,325.42 per paycheck ($87,905/year)
Effective total tax rate: 20.09%

Example 2: $78,000/year - Head of Household, Biweekly

Profile: $78,000 annual salary, Head of Household filer, paid biweekly (26 paychecks/year)

Gross per period: $3,000.00
Federal income tax: -$234.92
Social Security: -$186.00
Medicare: -$43.50
Colorado state income tax: -$132.00
Net take-home pay: $2,403.58 per paycheck ($62,493/year)
Effective total tax rate: 19.88%

Example 3: $62,000/year - Single, Weekly

Profile: $62,000 annual salary, Single filer, paid weekly (52 paychecks/year)

Gross per period: $1,192.31
Federal income tax: -$101.15
Social Security: -$73.92
Medicare: -$17.29
Colorado state income tax: -$52.46
Net take-home pay: $947.49 per paycheck ($49,269/year)
Effective total tax rate: 20.53%

Colorado Tax Notes

Flat tax rate: 4.40% on all taxable income.
Supplemental withholding rate: 4.40% for bonuses and supplemental wages.

Colorado has no local income tax. The state has extremely complex local sales tax jurisdictions — cities, counties, and special districts can each levy their own sales taxes, resulting in widely varying combined rates across the state. Groceries are exempt from the state rate but local grocery taxes may still apply.

OBBBA Conformity

Colorado conforms to the federal OBBBA deductions for tips and overtime. These deductions reduce both your federal and Colorado state taxable income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What taxes are deducted from my Colorado paycheck?

Your Colorado paycheck has deductions for federal income tax (10%-37% progressive brackets), FICA (Social Security + Medicare), and Colorado state income tax at a flat rate of 4.40%.

How accurate is this paycheck calculator?

This calculator estimates take-home pay using 2026 federal and Colorado state tax rates. It models federal income tax, FICA, and state income tax. It does not include pre-tax deductions (401(k), HSA, health insurance premiums), post-tax deductions, or state-specific payroll taxes (disability insurance, paid leave). Your actual paycheck may differ.

How does Colorado's flat income tax work?

Colorado uses a flat tax rate of 4.40% that applies to all taxable income regardless of how much you earn. Unlike graduated-bracket states where higher income is taxed at higher rates, every dollar of taxable income in Colorado is taxed at the same rate.

Is Colorado's flat tax rate applied to all my income?

The flat rate applies to your taxable income, which is your gross income minus any applicable deductions or exemptions. The flat rate does not apply to income below these thresholds.

Is my pension or retirement income taxed in Colorado?

Colorado offers a partial exclusion for pension and retirement income. Some retirement income may be exempt or receive preferential treatment depending on the source and amount. Social Security benefits are not taxed at the state level.

How are bonuses and supplemental wages taxed in Colorado?

Colorado withholds state tax on bonuses, commissions, and other supplemental wages at a flat rate of 4.40%. This may differ from your regular withholding rate. At the federal level, supplemental wages are typically withheld at a flat 22% (or 37% above $1 million).

Does Colorado conform to the OBBBA overtime and tips deductions?

Yes. Colorado conforms to the federal OBBBA deductions for tips and overtime. These deductions reduce both your federal and Colorado state taxable income, giving you a double benefit.

What is Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) and how does it affect my paycheck?

Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) is a Colorado program that provides paid leave for family caregiving, bonding with a new child, or serious medical conditions. Your paycheck includes a deduction of approximately 0.45% to fund this program. This deduction is separate from federal and state income taxes and appears as its own line on your pay stub.