Colorado Income Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate your 2026 Colorado state and federal income tax. Includes Colorado tax brackets, a worked dollar example, and filing tips.
Key Tax Facts: Colorado
- Flat 4.4% rate, reduced from 4.55% in 2022
- TABOR refunds may further reduce effective state tax burden
- Pension income exemptions available for those 55 and older
- Starts from federal taxable income with limited modifications
Colorado State Income Tax Overview
Colorado has a flat state income tax rate of 4.4% on all federal taxable income, making it one of the more straightforward states for income tax planning. Because Colorado starts with federal adjusted gross income and makes limited modifications, residents generally find state tax preparation simpler than in states with their own complex bracket systems. Colorado also offers a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) provision that can trigger refunds when state revenue exceeds a defined limit. The state does not allow a separate standard deduction — it piggybacks on the federal AGI instead.
Colorado Income Tax Rate (2026) projected
Colorado uses a flat income tax rate -- the same percentage applies to all taxable income regardless of how much you earn.
Source: Colorado Department of Revenue
What a Colorado Resident Actually Pays: A Worked Example
| Taxable Income | $65,000.00 |
| Colorado Flat Rate | 4.4% |
| Estimated State Tax | $2860.00 |
| Effective Rate | 4.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions -- Colorado Income Tax
Does Colorado have a state income tax?
Yes. Colorado imposes a state income tax with a flat rate of 4.4%. This is separate from your federal income tax obligation.
What is the Colorado income tax rate for 2026?
Colorado uses a flat income tax rate of 4.4% on all taxable income, regardless of income level or filing status.
Do I have to file a Colorado state tax return?
Most full-year Colorado residents with income above the state filing threshold must file a state return. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue for current thresholds and requirements.
How accurate is this Colorado state tax estimate?
This is a planning estimate. The state result uses Colorado's published brackets but does not account for all state deductions, credits, exemptions, or local taxes. Verify with official Colorado tax forms or a qualified tax professional.
Does this calculator include federal income tax?
Yes. The results show your estimated Colorado state income tax and your federal income tax using 2026 federal brackets (projected until the IRS publishes official 2026 figures) -- your full combined picture in one place.
Where can I find official Colorado tax forms?
Official forms, instructions, and filing guidance are available at the Colorado Department of Revenue.
What is the sales tax rate in Colorado?
Colorado's combined state and average local sales tax rate is 7.77%. This is separate from income tax and applies to most retail purchases -- use our sales tax calculator to check a specific purchase.
When are Colorado 2026 state taxes due?
2026 taxes are generally filed in 2027. The Colorado filing deadline is April 15, 2027, the same as the federal deadline.
Understanding Your Colorado Tax Estimate
Your results combine two separate bills: federal tax owed to the IRS, and Colorado state tax owed to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The state return is filed separately from your federal Form 1040, with a state filing deadline of April 15. For the mechanics of how bracket math actually works -- why your effective rate is almost always lower than your top bracket -- see our marginal vs. effective tax rate guide.
Lowering Your Colorado Bill
Pre-tax retirement contributions reduce your federal and Colorado taxable income in the same move -- see our 401(k) contribution limits and HSA limits guides for the current caps. Beyond that, Colorado-specific credits and deductions that don't exist at the federal level are listed at the Colorado Department of Revenue -- worth checking, since these are easy to miss if you only look at federal guidance.
Combined Sales + Income Tax Picture
Colorado's combined state-plus-average-local sales tax rate is 7.77%. If you're self-employed, that's an added layer on top of income tax -- our self-employment tax calculator covers the SE-specific piece separately.
Disclaimer: Estimates for educational purposes only. State tax results are approximations based on published bracket data and do not account for all deductions, credits, exemptions, local taxes, or individual situations. Not tax, legal, or financial advice. Consult the Colorado Department of Revenue or a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.