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
0.0% - 11.01%
new employer rate range
Key facts for Colorado household employers
- Minimum wage: $14.81/hour (compare nationwide)
- State income tax withholding required
- Paid family leave program in effect
- Flat state income tax of 4.4%
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (FAMLI) program active
Colorado nanny tax FAQ
How does the calculator estimate Colorado nanny taxes?
The calculator estimates the full employer cost for a household employee in Colorado: federal FICA (15.3% combined, split between you and your employee), federal FUTA (0.6% effective on the first $7,000), and Colorado SUTA (0.0% - 11.01%). It also factors in Colorado state income tax (when withheld), Colorado paid family leave premium. Numbers update for tax year 2026 and reflect the 2026 FICA threshold of $3,000.
Does Colorado require state income tax withholding from a nanny's paycheck?
Colorado has a state income tax. Withholding from household employees is typically optional unless your nanny elects it on the state's W-4 equivalent. If they do elect withholding, you will owe quarterly remittance to the state and an annual reconciliation return that includes copies of the W-2 you issued.
What's the minimum hourly rate I can pay a nanny in Colorado?
Colorado's minimum wage is $14.81/hour, above the federal $7.25 floor. Household employees must be paid at least this rate. FLSA overtime (1.5x for hours over 40 in a week) applies to most household employees. Live-in nannies are FLSA-exempt from overtime but not from minimum wage.
Does Colorado add disability or paid family leave premiums?
Yes for paid family leave. Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) covers household employees. Funding rules vary — some states are employee-funded, some split employer and employee. You register and remit separately from unemployment insurance.
Why does my Colorado nanny's net pay differ from the calculator total?
In Colorado, the gross-to-net difference comes from federal FICA (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare = 7.65% withheld from the employee), any federal income tax your nanny chose to have withheld, plus Colorado state income tax if elected on the state W-4, plus the employee-side share of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI). Your share — the employer FICA match and FUTA + SUTA — sits on top of the gross, not subtracted from it. The calculator separates "employer cost" (your total outlay) from "employee net pay" (what lands in their bank account).
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 handles Colorado taxes automatically
All CO tax calculations, documents, and deadline reminders—starting at $10/month.
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