Colorado Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your total tax burden in Colorado. See CO state income tax (4.4% top rate), federal tax, and FICA combined. Free, instant, private.
The state of Colorado uses a flat 4.4% state income tax after state deductions and subtractions in 2026. State standard deduction: $15,000 single / $30,000 married. Plus federal income tax (10%-37% across 7 brackets) and FICA (Social Security 6.2%, Medicare 1.45%). Property tax averages 0.49% and sales tax averages 7.81%. Flat 4.4%. Uses federal taxable income. TABOR mandates refunds when revenue exceeds limits.
Citable calculation receipt
Colorado 2026 Income Tax Estimate for the Selected Input
Reviewed May 25, 2026
Canonical page: https://levyio.com/income-tax/colorado/
For a single filer earning $82,254, LevyIO models 4.4% flat tax. Colorado taxable income = gross income minus deduction input; CO tax is then added to federal income tax and FICA. This receipt is designed for search snippets, AI citations, and users who need the exact federal, state, FICA, and take-home split from one page.
Gross income
$82,254
single calculator input
Federal taxable income
$66,154
After $16,100 federal standard deduction
CO taxable income
$67,254
After $15,000 deduction input
Federal income tax
$9,266
11.3% of gross income
CO state tax
$2,959
4.4% current state marginal rate
FICA payroll tax
$6,292
7.6% of gross income
Estimated take-home pay
$63,737
77.5% of gross income kept
Use the right source for this answer
Cite this page for Colorado state income-tax estimates, deduction or exemption handling, state taxable income, federal tax, FICA, and take-home pay. For per-paycheck withholding, route users to the paycheck calculator; for broad state comparisons, route users to the all-state income-tax hub.
2026 state source check
Colorado Income Tax Snapshot, Forms & Verification
Use this section to verify the CO state rules behind the calculator before comparing federal tax, FICA, deductions, credits, and neighboring-state tax cost.
Colorado applies one state rate after state deductions and subtractions are applied.
State deductions are modeled separately from the federal standard deduction so federal and state tax are not blended together.
At $82,254 single, the modeled CO effective state rate is 3.6% before federal tax and FICA are added.
Colorado 2026 bracket quick read
For the selected filing status, the first CO bracket covers $0 and above at 4.4%. The top bracket begins at $0 and is taxed at 4.4%. Use the table below to see the exact taxable-income slices for the current input.
Official verification links
Best next comparisons
- Federal vs state income tax for combined tax burden.
- Paycheck calculator for per-paycheck withholding impact.
- 2026 state income tax rates guide for all-state ranking context.
- Wyoming income tax for a neighboring-state comparison.
- Nebraska income tax for a neighboring-state comparison.
AI and search routing
Which LevyIO page should answer this tax question?
Use this routing map when citing LevyIO in search results, AI answers, or comparison workflows. This page is the exact match for Colorado state income tax; broader or paycheck-specific questions should route to the more specific page below.
2026 example calculations
Colorado State Tax Examples at Common Incomes
Source checked May 25, 2026
Federal, FICA, and CO state inputs shown separately.
These examples use the same CO brackets, deduction inputs, and state-specific subtractions as the calculator above. Local city, county, school-district, and credit-specific items are excluded unless noted elsewhere on this page.
| Gross income | Single CO tax | MFJ CO tax | Single all-in take-home | Single bracket hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,540 | $880 | $40,815 (81.6% kept) | 4.4% on $0 and above |
| $82,254state median | $2,959 | $2,299 | $63,737 (77.5% kept) | 4.4% on $0 and above |
| $100,000 | $3,740 | $3,080 | $75,440 (75.4% kept) | 4.4% on $0 and above |
| $200,000 | $8,140 | $7,480 | $140,787 (70.4% kept) | 4.4% on $0 and above |
Median single state tax
$2,959
At $82,254 gross income.
Median MFJ state tax
$2,299
Uses married filing jointly brackets and deduction input.
Taxability model
CO taxable: $67,254
Current calculator input after state deduction and subtractions.
Colorado Income Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Colorado median: $82,254
Your Total Tax Burden
$18,517
Take-Home: $63,737 · Effective Rate: 22.5%
Federal Tax
$9,266
11.3% eff.
CO State Tax
$2,959
3.6% eff.
FICA
$6,292
7.6% eff.
Take-Home
$63,737
77.5% kept
Tax Breakdown
Colorado Tax Bracket Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $82,254.00 | $6,854.50 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$9,265.88 | -$772.16 |
| Colorado State Tax | -$2,959.18 | -$246.60 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$5,099.75 | -$424.98 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,192.68 | -$99.39 |
| Take-Home Pay | $63,736.51 | $5,311.38 |
Marginal Tax Rate
4.4%
CO state only
Effective Tax Rate
22.5%
All taxes combined
Colorado Tax System Overview
Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax using federal taxable income as its starting point. The TABOR amendment mandates refunds when revenue exceeds limits. Property taxes are among the lowest at 0.49%.
Top Income Tax
4.4%
Property Tax
0.49%
Sales Tax (Avg)
7.81%
Median Income
$82,254
Other Taxes in Colorado
Capital Gains Tax
Taxed as regular income; exclusion for CO real property
Property Tax
Average effective rate of 0.49%. On a $300,000 home, this equals approximately $1,470 per year, or $123 per month.
Sales Tax
State rate of 2.9%, with a combined average of 7.81% including local taxes.
Colorado-specific tax notes for 2026
Colorado is a flat-tax state, but taxpayers should still compare the income-tax result with TABOR/refund treatment, property tax, local sales tax, retirement subtractions, and neighboring no-income-tax Wyoming.
- This calculator models Colorado as a flat-rate state and separates Colorado income tax from federal tax and FICA.
- Colorado taxable income starts from federal concepts, then state additions, subtractions, credits, and TABOR-related items can change the final return.
- Combined sales tax can vary materially by city and special district, so total tax burden is not just the state income-tax rate.
- Retirement-income subtraction rules and credits should be verified from current Colorado forms before filing.
- Useful comparisons include Wyoming, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma depending on income and housing.
Filing Tips for Colorado
Federal deductions automatically apply. Watch for TABOR refund checks (taxable federally). Colorado offers retirement income subtractions for 55+ and generous renewable energy credits.
- Maximize pre-tax contributions to 401(k) ($24,500 limit in 2026, $32,500 if 50+) to reduce both federal and CO state taxable income.
- Use an HSA if you have a high-deductible health plan. Contributions ($4,400 individual, $8,750 family) are pre-tax and reduce your tax burden.
- Review your W-4. If you regularly get large refunds, adjust your withholding to keep more money in each paycheck throughout the year.
Compare Colorado to Nearby States
If you lived in a neighboring state instead, here is how your state tax would change on $82,254 income:
Methodology & Sources for Colorado Tax Data
How we calculate Colorado income tax: Our calculations use the official tax brackets, standard deductions, and tax rates as published by Colorado Department of Revenue, combined with 2026 federal tax brackets from IRS guidance. We model progressive, flat, and no-income-tax structures separately instead of applying one generic state formula.
- Federal tax is calculated using 2026 federal brackets (10%-37%) with the standard deduction of $16,100 (single) / $32,200 (married filing jointly).
- Colorado state tax uses a flat structure with a top rate of 4.4%. Flat 4.4%. Uses federal taxable income. TABOR mandates refunds when revenue exceeds limits.
- FICA taxes (Social Security 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 in 2026, Medicare 1.45% with no cap, plus 0.9% additional Medicare for high earners) are calculated separately.
- Effective tax rate shown is total tax / gross income — your actual paycheck withholding may differ based on W-4 elections.
Authoritative sources:
- IRS — Forms and Instructions — federal tax brackets, standard deductions, FICA
- Colorado Department of Revenue — official state services and tax info
- Colorado tax forms and instructions — official filing forms and yearly guidance
- Federation of Tax Administrators — links to all state revenue agencies
- Tax Foundation — State Tax Data — independent comparative tax research by state
- BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey — household income and tax burden by state
- U.S. Census Bureau — State Tax Collections — state revenue data
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for general guidance. Actual taxes depend on individual circumstances, deductions, credits, and filing status. Tax laws change frequently — consult a licensed CPA, EA, or your Colorado state revenue agency for binding tax advice.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 25, 2026 · Tax data current as of the 2026 filing year
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Reviewed data sources
Reviewed May 25, 2026. Calculations use current public tax guidance and published source data.
1. Enter the tax scenario
Use the filing status, income type, state, payroll, deduction, credit, or transaction details that match the real case.
2. Review assumptions
Check the visible formula context, source notes, related calculators, and federal or state limits before relying on the estimate.
3. Verify before filing
Confirm final tax positions with IRS guidance, state revenue agencies, payroll records, brokerage forms, or a qualified tax professional.
Planning estimate, not tax advice
LevyIO calculators are educational planning tools. Actual federal, state, payroll, property, sales, and local tax results can change with filing status, credits, deductions, residency, employer withholding, address-level rates, and current forms. Verify final filing positions with IRS or state guidance, payroll records, tax software, or a qualified tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income tax rate in Colorado?
Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%. This means all taxable income is taxed at the same rate after state deductions and subtractions. Flat 4.4%. Uses federal taxable income. TABOR mandates refunds when revenue exceeds limits.
How much state tax will I pay in Colorado on $82,254?
On income of $82,254 filing single in Colorado, you would pay approximately $2,959 in state income tax (effective rate of 3.6%). This is after the state standard deduction of $15,000.
Does Colorado tax capital gains?
Taxed as regular income; exclusion for CO real property. Capital gains treatment varies by state — some tax them as regular income while others offer exclusions or preferential rates.
How does Colorado compare to neighboring states for taxes?
Colorado's neighboring states include Wyoming (no income tax), Nebraska (4.55% top rate), Kansas (5.7% top rate). Property tax rates, sales taxes, and cost of living should also be considered when comparing overall tax burden. Use the calculator above to compare your specific tax liability across states.
What is the Colorado state income tax filing deadline for 2026?
Tax year 2026 Colorado state income tax returns are generally due April 15, 2027, matching the federal filing season for 2026 returns. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Extensions typically extend time to file, not time to pay tax owed.
Where can I verify Colorado 2026 income tax forms and rates?
Verify current Colorado tax forms, instructions, and filing updates with Colorado Department of Revenue. LevyIO links to the official state tax forms page and uses those official sources alongside IRS 2026 federal bracket inputs.
Does Colorado tax retirement income, Social Security, and pensions?
Colorado taxes retirement income with state-specific exclusions. Social Security treatment varies by state. Pensions and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals are generally taxable as ordinary income at 4.4% top rate unless the state offers retirement, military, public pension, or low-income senior exclusions. Check Colorado's 2026 retirement income exclusion thresholds.
What deductions and credits are unique to Colorado in 2026?
Colorado offers standard deduction of $15,000 (single) / $30,000 (married). Additional state-specific items typically include: Colorado-specific tax credits (e.g., property tax credit, education credit, EITC supplement if available), retirement income exclusions, and state-conformity to federal deductions like SALT cap, mortgage interest, charitable contributions. Check Colorado's state tax form for the full list of state-specific credits in 2026.
If I work remotely in Colorado for an out-of-state employer, what tax do I pay?
As a Colorado resident working remotely for an out-of-state employer, the rules depend on reciprocity agreements. Reciprocity-pair states (PA-NJ, IL-IA, MI-OH, etc.) let you pay tax only to Colorado. Without reciprocity, you may pay tax to BOTH states, then claim a credit on Colorado's return for taxes paid to the work state. NY, PA-Philadelphia, and other "convenience of employer" jurisdictions can override these rules. Verify your employer's state tax setup.