The Colorado bonus tax calculator at the top of this page uses the supplemental tax rate so employers can easily figure out the net pay (or take-home pay) your employee should take home for wage payments such as bonus pay.
Behind the numbers
Behind the numbers
Updated: July 11, 2025
Does Colorado tax bonuses?
Yes. Colorado treats bonuses as supplemental wages and taxes them as ordinary income using the standard state withholding rate. This can also include vacation allowances, commissions, and fringe benefits.
How to calculate bonus tax in Colorado
Employers apply the regular income tax rate to bonuses. There’s no separate flat rate — it’s included in the employee’s total taxable wages for the period.
What is the bonus tax rate in Colorado?
Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.4%, applied to all wages including bonuses.
How much tax is taken out of a bonus in Colorado?
Typically 4.4% state + 22% federal = 26.4% total withholding, plus other applicable deductions.
Why are bonuses taxed differently than standard pay?
This isn’t the case in Colorado — the state applies the same flat income tax rate regardless of whether the wages are regular or supplemental.
How do bonuses work in Colorado?
Bonuses are included in gross income, subject to regular payroll taxes. Employers report them on Form W-2 and apply standard withholding.
More resources for Colorado employers