Withholding
Withholding requirements
Employers should use the federal Form W-4 for payroll withholding.
Use the formula method for withholding.
Supplemental rate
4.4%
State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
Wage base
$20,400
Contributions
The new employer rate is 1.70%.
Rate may vary with different industries.
More information
- Experience Rating: After the initial period as a new employer (usually a couple of years), the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) assigns a unique SUI rate based on the employer’s experience rating, which reflects the amount of unemployment benefits charged to their account.
- How to find your rate: Experienced employers receive an annual “Notice of Unemployment Insurance Contribution Rate” from the CDLE, typically mailed in the fall. Employers can also access their specific rate through the CDLE’s online services.
- Other UI Taxes: Colorado also has a state training tax (STT), which is a separate component often included with SUI calculations, though its rate is typically much lower.
Labor
Minimum wage
$14.81, Tipped Employee Minimum Wage: $11.79
Termination Pay
- Voluntary quits: When an employee voluntarily quits or resigns, their final paycheck is due on the next regular payday.
- Terminated employees: If an employee is fired or laid off, they must receive their final paycheck immediately at the time of termination. There are some exceptions if the payroll department is not normally working at the time of termination.
More information
- Overtime: Colorado law requires overtime to be paid at one and one-half times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek or 12 in a workday.
- Workplace postings: Employers are required to display several posters detailing employee rights. These are updated periodically and available from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).
- Vacation pay: If an employer offers vacation pay, they are required to pay out all accrued, unused vacation time upon termination, regardless of any company policy to the contrary.
- FAMLI: The Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program provides paid leave benefits. Employers are required to remit payroll deductions for this program
New Hire Filing
Reporting deadline
Employers must report hiring, rehiring, and return to work within 20 days.
Reporting online
Reporting by mail
Colorado State Directory of New Hires
P.O. Box 2920
Denver, CO 80201-2920
Fax: 303-297-2595
New hire reporting form
Form W-4
Child Support
More information
The Family Support Registry
P.O. Box 2171
Denver, CO 80201-2171
Other
New employer registration
Local taxes
Several cities in Colorado have additional local taxes, including Aurora, Denver, Glendale, Greenwood Village, and Sheridan.
Reciprocal states
N/A
Disability insurance
Colorado has a mandatory Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program funded by employee and employer payroll deductions.
Last Updated
09/10/2025
States
The information provided here should not be considered legal or accounting advice nor should it substitute for legal, accounting, and other professional advice. If you require legal or accounting advice, you should always consult your licensed attorney, accountant, or other professional to discuss the facts of your particular situation.
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