Worked Example: $72,000 in Colorado
| Line on the pay stub | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $6,000 | $72,000 |
| Federal income tax | −$584.17 | −$7,010 |
| Social Security | −$372 | −$4,464 |
| Medicare | −$87 | −$1,044 |
| Colorado income tax (4.4%) | −$204.97 | −$2,459.60 |
| Colorado FAMLI (0.44%) | −$26.40 | −$316.80 |
| Net pay | $4,725.47 | $56,705.60 |
Step by step for a single filer on $72,000:
- Federal taxable income is $55,900 after the $16,100 federal standard deduction.
- Colorado tax is 4.4% of that: $2,459.60.
- The FAMLI employee share is 0.44% of wages: $316.80.
- Federal tax and FICA bring total deductions to 21.2% of gross pay.
Colorado Income Tax Rate for 2026
Colorado has one rate, 4.4%, for every income level and filing status. The Department of Revenue's 2026 withholding worksheet (DR 1098) uses the same figure.
Colorado tax = 4.4% × federal taxable income (± Colorado adjustments)
| Filing status | Deduction used (federal) | Colorado rate |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $16,100 | 4.4% |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 | 4.4% |
Colorado sometimes cuts the rate for one year when state revenue tops the TABOR limit. No such temporary cut applies to the figures here.
The FAMLI Paid Leave Premium
Family and Medical Leave Insurance pays wage replacement during family or medical leave. For 2026 the total premium is 0.88% of wages, set by Senate Bill 25-144.
- Employers may take up to half from employees: 0.44%.
- Wages count only up to the Social Security wage base, $184,500 in 2026, so the most an employee pays is $811.80.
- Some employers pay the whole premium themselves. If yours does, your net pay is a little higher than shown.
At $250,000 the FAMLI line stops growing: $811.80.
Colorado Take Home Pay by Salary
| Gross salary | Colorado tax | FAMLI | Net per year | Net per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,051.60 | $176 | $33,092.40 | $2,757.70 |
| $55,000 | $1,711.60 | $242 | $44,418.90 | $3,701.58 |
| $72,000 | $2,459.60 | $316.80 | $56,705.60 | $4,725.47 |
| $95,000 | $3,471.60 | $418 | $71,772.90 | $5,981.08 |
| $130,000 | $5,011.60 | $572 | $94,537.40 | $7,878.12 |
| $200,000 | $8,091.60 | $811.80 | $140,023.60 | $11,668.63 |
Single filer, no pre-tax deductions. Because the state rate is flat, Colorado tax as a share of pay rises only through the fixed deduction becoming smaller relative to income.
Colorado Net Pay for Married Couples
Filing jointly doubles the federal standard deduction that Colorado inherits, so a couple pays Colorado tax on a smaller share of the same salary.
| Gross salary | Colorado tax | FAMLI | Net per year | Net per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $1,223.20 | $264 | $51,082.80 | $4,256.90 |
| $90,000 | $2,543.20 | $396 | $73,735.80 | $6,144.65 |
| $120,000 | $3,863.20 | $528 | $96,388.80 | $8,032.40 |
| $160,000 | $5,623.20 | $704 | $123,892.80 | $10,324.40 |
The FAMLI column does not change with filing status. It is charged on each worker's own wages, so two earners each pay 0.44% on their own pay, up to the wage base for each person.
If only one spouse works, the table above is the household picture. If both work, run each salary through the calculator as single to see each paycheck, then compare the joint total.
Pay per Month and per Paycheck
On $72,000, the net amounts by pay period are:
- Monthly: $4,725.47
- Twice a month: $2,362.73
- Every two weeks: $2,180.98
- Weekly: $1,090.49
Use the Hourly Paycheck Calculator if you are paid by the hour with overtime.
What Colorado Taxes and Exempts
- Taxed: wages, bonuses and commissions earned in Colorado.
- Exempt: pre-tax 401(k), health insurance and HSA contributions reduce federal taxable income and therefore Colorado tax too.
- Adjustments: Colorado adds back some federal deductions and subtracts items such as Social Security and some pensions. The calculator applies none of these.
- City taxes: Denver, Aurora and a few other cities charge a small monthly occupational privilege tax on workers. It is not in the result.
Assumptions and Limits
- Standard deduction only; no itemized deductions, credits or Colorado additions and subtractions.
- The FAMLI share assumes your employer passes on the full 50% allowed.
- Result is the yearly tax owed. Withholding under DR 1098 uses its own allowances and can differ.
Sources and 2026 Rates
Colorado Department of Revenue (DR 1098 for 2026, income tax guide), Colorado General Assembly SB 25-144 and the FAMLI Division, and IRS 2026 federal figures. Rates for 2026.
Neighbouring states: Utah and Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colorado income tax rate for 2026?
A flat 4.4% of federal taxable income for all filers.
How much is $72,000 after tax in Colorado?
$56,705.60 a year for a single filer, about $4,725.47 a month, including $316.80 of FAMLI premium.
How much is the FAMLI deduction in 2026?
Up to 0.44% of wages, half of the 0.88% premium, on pay up to $184,500.
Does Colorado use the federal standard deduction?
Yes, indirectly. Colorado starts from federal taxable income, so the $16,100 single or $32,200 joint federal deduction is already subtracted.
Does Denver have a city income tax?
Denver has no income tax on wages. It charges a flat monthly occupational privilege tax to people who work in the city, which this calculator does not include.
Does filing jointly lower Colorado tax?
Yes. Joint filers subtract the $32,200 federal deduction before the 4.4% rate, so on $90,000 a couple pays $2,543.20 to Colorado.
Is Colorado SDI a deduction?
Colorado has no state disability insurance program. FAMLI is the only state payroll deduction for employees.