Colorado Nanny Tax Calculator
Estimate your total employer costs for hiring a nanny in Colorado. Enter your nanny's pay below for a personalized tax breakdown.
Colorado employer tax rates at a glance
Social Security
6.2%
employer share
Medicare
1.45%
employer share
FUTA
0.6%
on first $7,000
CO SUTA
0% - 11.01%
2026 range across employers
Key facts for Colorado household employers
- Minimum wage: $15.16/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI) program active
- Denver: we withhold the $5.75 head tax in the months it is owed
Colorado nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Colorado nanny taxes?
It adds up everything you owe as the employer in Colorado, on top of your nanny's wages.
- Federal FICA: 15.3% combined, split between you and your nanny
- Federal FUTA: 0.6% effective on the first $7,000
- Colorado SUTA: 0% - 11.01%
- Colorado state income tax (when withheld)
- Colorado paid family leave premium
Figures are 2026 rates and use the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Colorado require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Usually not. Colorado has a state income tax, but withholding it from a household employee is optional unless your nanny asks for it.
- It is usually optional, and your nanny elects it on Colorado's W-4 equivalent
- If they do elect it, you owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes the W-2 you issued
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Colorado?
At least $15.16 an hour for a nanny in Colorado.
- That is Colorado's own minimum wage, above the federal $7.25 floor
- Some cities and counties may set a higher floor, so check your locality before you set a rate
- Overtime is 1.5x pay for hours over 40 in a week, under the FLSA
- Live-in nannies are exempt from FLSA overtime, but not from minimum wage
Does Colorado add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes, paid family leave. Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) covers household employees.
- Funding rules vary: some states are employee-funded, some split it between employer and employee
- You register and remit for it separately from unemployment insurance
Why does my Colorado nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
Because they answer different questions. The calculator's employer total is what leaves your account; net pay is what lands in your Colorado nanny's.
- Federal FICA: 6.2% Social Security plus 1.45% Medicare, so 7.65% off the top
- Any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld
- Colorado income tax, if your nanny elected it on the state W-4
- Their share of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)
Your own share, the employer FICA match plus FUTA and SUTA, sits on top of gross pay rather than coming out of it.
This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual tax obligations may vary. Always verify current rates with your state's tax agency or consult a qualified tax professional.
Learn more
Colorado Tax Guide
Full compliance requirements for CO household employers.
Nanny Cost by State
See how Colorado compares to all 50 states for total employer costs.
Colorado Nanny Contract
Free contract builder with CO-specific requirements.
Complete Tax Guide
Everything you need to know about nanny taxes.
NannyKeeper calculates Colorado taxes on every paycheck
All CO tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders, starting at $10/month.
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