Colorado Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal, Colorado state, PFML, and OPT taxes. Colorado uses a flat 4.4% rate with a filing-based allowance. Denver workers: don't forget the $5.75/month Occupational Privilege Tax!
Colorado Paycheck Calculator
2025 tax year · estimate
How Colorado taxes your paycheck
Colorado uses a flat 4.4% income tax rate. Your taxable income is reduced by a filing-status-based allowance before the flat rate is applied.
- Annualize your gross pay
- Subtract pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance, HSA)
- Subtract the filing-based allowance ($5,500 single / $11,000 MFJ)
- Apply the flat 4.4% rate
- Divide by your number of pay periods
In addition to state income tax, Colorado employees also pay:
- Federal income tax (10%–37%)
- Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100)
- Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% over $200k)
- CO PFML (0.225% employee share)
- OPT — if working in Denver ($5.75/mo), Aurora ($2/mo), etc.
Colorado income tax rate (2025)
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax Rate | 4.4% (flat) |
| Single/MFS Allowance | $5,500 |
| MFJ Allowance | $11,000 |
| Pre-tax Deductions | 401(k), health insurance, HSA/FSA all deductible |
Colorado PFML & Occupational Privilege Tax
| Program | Rate / Amount | Employee Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO FAMLI (PFML) | 0.45% of wages | 50% (0.225%) | No wage cap · mandatory |
| Denver OPT | $5.75/month | 100% | Flat monthly · Denver workers only |
| Aurora OPT | $2.00/month | 100% | Flat monthly · Aurora workers only |
| Greenwood Village OPT | $4.00/month | 100% | Flat monthly |
PFML (FAMLI) is automatically calculated. OPT is selected in the Advanced Options dropdown above — choose your city or "None" if your city doesn't levy OPT.
Example: $3,000 biweekly paycheck in Colorado
Scenario: Single, $200 401(k), $150 health insurance, Denver OPT
CO state: ($3,000 − $350) × 26 = $68,900 − $5,500 allowance = $63,400 × 4.4% = $2,789.60/yr ÷ 26 = $107.29/period. Denver OPT: $5.75 × 12 ÷ 26 = $2.65/period.
Who uses this calculator
Colorado employees
Verify your paycheck accuracy including 4.4% state tax, PFML, and OPT deductions.
Denver workers
Account for the $5.75/mo OPT on top of state tax and PFML.
Job seekers
Compare take-home pay in Colorado vs other western states.
Payroll admins
Cross-check CO flat rate calculations, FAMLI premiums, and OPT withholding.
Remote workers
Understand CO tax obligations if you work remotely for a Colorado employer.
People relocating to CO
Understand the full tax picture — flat 4.4%, PFML, and potential OPT.
Frequently asked questions
How is Colorado state income tax calculated?
Colorado uses a flat 4.4% income tax rate. Your employer annualizes your wages, subtracts a filing-status-based allowance ($5,500 for Single/$11,000 for Married Filing Jointly), applies the 4.4% rate, and divides by your number of pay periods.
What is the Colorado standard deduction/allowance?
Colorado provides a filing-status-based deduction: $5,500 for Single and Married Filing Separately, $11,000 for Married Filing Jointly. This reduces your state taxable income before applying the 4.4% rate.
What is Colorado PFML?
Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI) is a state-run insurance program. The total premium is 0.45% of wages, split 50/50 between employer and employee. Your paycheck deduction is 0.225% of gross pay. There is no wage cap.
What is the Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT)?
OPT is a monthly flat-dollar tax levied by some Colorado cities. Denver charges $5.75/month and Aurora charges $2.00/month. Not all cities have OPT. It is deducted from your paycheck as a fixed monthly amount, regardless of income.
Is 401(k) pre-tax for Colorado state income tax?
Yes. 401(k) contributions are pre-tax for both federal and Colorado state income tax, reducing your taxable income for both calculations.
Does Colorado have local income taxes besides OPT?
Colorado cities do not levy a traditional income tax. However, some cities charge OPT (a flat monthly amount) and/or a local sales tax. OPT is the only payroll-level local tax in Colorado.
How does Colorado compare to neighboring states?
Colorado's flat 4.4% rate is moderate. Utah is flat at 4.65%. New Mexico ranges 1.7%–5.9%. Arizona's effective rate is 2.5%. Wyoming and Nebraska border CO — Wyoming has no income tax while Nebraska ranges 2.46%–5.84%.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides a close estimate based on 2025 Colorado tax rates and standard withholding formulas. Your actual paycheck may vary based on your employer's payroll system, DR 0004 elections, and year-to-date earnings.