How much should freelancers in Colorado set aside for taxes?

As an estimate, a self-employed person in Colorado with $50,000 of profit should set aside about 24% of that profit, rising to about 26% at $100,000. That covers federal income tax and self-employment tax, plus Colorado state income tax. Here's where the numbers come from.

Colorado's 2026 income tax at a glance

Rates and brackets are as of January 1, 2026, for single filers, from the Tax Foundation's annual state survey. Married couples filing jointly usually get wider brackets.

	Colorado
Structure	Flat 4.4%
Planning rate at $50,000 profit	4.4%
Planning rate at $100,000 profit	4.4%

Your planning rate

Colorado taxes income at one rate, so planning is easy: your state tax is roughly 4.4% of your profit. The planning rates above are a touch lower because half of your self-employment tax comes off first.

In our quarterly tax calculator, enter 4.4% (or 4.4% if your profit is nearer $100,000) as your state rate.

How much to set aside in Colorado

Estimated total tax as a share of profit for a single filer with no other job: federal income tax, self-employment tax and Colorado income tax, using 2026 rules and the standard deduction. Save this share of each payment after business expenses.

Profit	Federal + SE tax	CO tax (est.)	Set aside
$30,000	$5,181	$1,227	21%
$50,000	$9,732	$2,045	24%
$75,000	$15,495	$3,067	25%
$100,000	$22,365	$4,089	26%
$150,000	$37,608	$6,134	29%

Local and business taxes to know about

Denver and a few other Colorado cities charge a small monthly occupational privilege tax on people who work there.

These aren't included in the figures above.

Colorado estimated tax payments

Colorado expects freelancers who will owe state tax to pay during the year too. Most states use the same four dates as the IRS, but a few don't, so confirm the dates and payment options with the Colorado Department of Revenue.

An easy habit: when you make each federal quarterly payment, make the state one the same day.

Know your number for every payment.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Colorado have a state income tax?

Yes. For 2026 it's flat 4.4%, according to the Tax Foundation's survey of rates as of January 1, 2026.

What percentage should I set aside for taxes in Colorado?

As an estimate, a single freelancer with no other job should save about 24% of profit at $50,000 and 26% at $100,000, covering federal income tax, self-employment tax and state income tax. A day job, a spouse's income, local taxes or big write-offs change the number, so use the calculator for yours.

What state rate should I enter in a tax calculator for Colorado?

Use your planning rate: about 4.4% at $50,000 of profit or 4.4% at $100,000. It's the average Colorado rate on that income before deductions and credits, so it leans slightly high.

Sources

Estimates and general information, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your situation.