Colorado FAMLI Tax Paycheck Calculator 2026 — See Your Exact Deduction + Weekly Benefits
For 2026, Colorado FAMLI deducts 0.44% from your gross pay (up to the $184,500 wage cap - a maximum of $811.80 per year) and replaces 90% of the first $804.46 of your average weekly wage, plus 50% above that, up to a maximum benefit of $1,448.02 per week. Use this free calculator to see your exact paycheck deduction and estimated leave benefit.
Last verified:
Official Colorado FAMLI website — opens in new tab
| Deduction | Amount |
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What Is the Colorado FAMLI Tax?
Colorado FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance) is a state program that provides paid leave for eligible workers. It is Colorado's paid family and medical leave (PFML) program, funded by a 0.88% payroll premium split equally between employees and employers.
For 2026, employees pay 0.44% of their wages up to the Social Security wage cap of $184,500. Employers pay the other 0.44%. If you earn $75,000 per year, your FAMLI deduction is $330 annually — about $12.69 per biweekly paycheck.
FAMLI covers leaves for: welcoming a new child (birth, adoption, foster placement), caring for a family member with a serious health condition, your own serious health condition, or military family caregiving needs. The program also includes up to 12 additional weeks of NICU leave for parents of infants in neonatal intensive care — bringing the potential total to 24 weeks for parents with a NICU infant, or up to 28 weeks if the birthing parent also experiences pregnancy or childbirth complications.
Most Colorado workers are covered. Employers with 10 or more employees must pay the employer share. Employers with 1-9 employees are exempt from the employer share, but employees in those companies still pay the 0.44% employee share. Self-employed workers can opt in to coverage.
2026 Colorado FAMLI Rate: What Changed from 2025?
The Colorado FAMLI total rate dropped from 0.90% in 2025 to 0.88% in 2026. The employee share decreased from 0.45% to 0.44%.
The Social Security wage cap increased from $176,100 in 2025 to $184,500 in 2026. The maximum annual employee contribution increased slightly from $792.45 to $811.80 despite the lower rate, because the wage cap rose by $8,400.
The rate adjustment follows Senate Bill 25-144, which directed the FAMLI Division to reduce premiums based on the program's financial projections. The statutory maximum rate is capped at 1.2% by state law, but the current 0.88% rate reflects the program's actual funding needs.
For most Colorado workers, the rate change means a small decrease in the FAMLI deduction compared to 2025. On a $75,000 salary, the deduction went from $337.50 (2025) to $330.00 (2026) — a $7.50 annual reduction. The higher wage cap means high earners may pay slightly more overall if their salary exceeds the previous cap.
Benefits also rose for 2026. The state average weekly wage increased from $1,534.94 (2025) to $1,608.91 (2026), raising the weekly sliding-scale threshold from $767.47 to $804.46 and the maximum weekly FAMLI benefit from $1,381.45 to $1,448.02. Workers now qualify for the maximum benefit at an average weekly wage of about $2,252.47, up from about $2,148.92 in 2025.
All rates listed here are verified from the official Colorado FAMLI website (famli.colorado.gov) and reflect the 2026 premium rates effective January 1, 2026.
How to Calculate FAMLI on Your Paycheck
FAMLI is calculated as 0.44% of your gross wages, capped at the Social Security wage base of $184,500 for 2026. The calculation is: Gross Pay x 0.0044 = your FAMLI deduction per pay period, until your annual wages hit the cap.
1. Find your gross pay before any deductions.
2. Multiply by 0.0044 (0.44%).
3. The result is your FAMLI deduction for that pay period.
4. If your annual wages exceed $184,500, stop deducting for the rest of the year.
Example: You earn $75,000 per year and get paid biweekly. Your gross biweekly pay is $2,884.62 ($75,000 / 26). Multiply $2,884.62 x 0.0044 = $12.69. That is your FAMLI deduction per paycheck.
FAMLI appears as a separate line item on your pay stub, typically labeled "CO FAMLI" or "Colorado FAMLI." The deduction should match the calculation above. If you see a different amount, check whether you have hit the annual wage cap or if your employer has made an error.
For high earners: if you earn $200,000 per year, FAMLI applies only to the first $184,500. Your annual FAMLI deduction is $811.80 ($184,500 x 0.0044). Any wages above $184,500 are not subject to FAMLI in 2026.
How Much Will You Pay? 2026 FAMLI Deduction Examples
Your FAMLI deduction depends on your gross pay and pay frequency. The table below shows exactly how much comes out of your paycheck at common salary levels for 2026.
| Annual Salary | FAMLI/Year | Weekly | Biweekly | Semi-Monthly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $132.00 | $2.54 | $5.08 | $5.50 | $11.00 |
| $50,000 | $220.00 | $4.23 | $8.46 | $9.17 | $18.33 |
| $75,000 | $330.00 | $6.35 | $12.69 | $13.75 | $27.50 |
| $100,000 | $440.00 | $8.46 | $16.92 | $18.33 | $36.67 |
| $150,000 | $660.00 | $12.69 | $25.38 | $27.50 | $55.00 |
| $184,500+ | $811.80 | $15.61 | $31.22 | $33.83 | $67.65 |
For a $75,000 annual salary, you will pay $12.69 per biweekly paycheck or $6.35 per week. The maximum annual contribution for 2026 is $811.80, which applies once your income reaches the $184,500 wage cap.
Your pay frequency determines how much FAMLI is withheld each check. More frequent pay periods mean smaller per-check deductions. Total annual FAMLI is the same regardless of pay frequency.
If your employer pays your 0.44% FAMLI share as a benefit, that amount becomes taxable income. Use the calculator above to toggle this scenario and see the impact on your net pay.
For workers in other states with similar programs, see the Oregon PFML calculator, Rhode Island TDI calculator, or Washington PFML calculator.
How Much Would You Receive? FAMLI Benefits Explained
If you take FAMLI leave, your weekly benefit is based on your average weekly wage (AWW). The benefit uses a sliding scale: 90% of the first $804.46 of your AWW, plus 50% of any amount above that, capped at $1,448.02 per week for 2026.
Example: You earn $75,000 per year. Your average weekly wage is $1,442.31 ($75,000 / 52). Your FAMLI benefit would be: (90% x $804.46) + (50% x $637.85) = $724.01 + $318.93 = $1,042.94 per week.
The maximum weekly benefit for 2026 is $1,448.02. This applies to workers with an average weekly wage of approximately $2,252.47 or higher — roughly $117,128 or more in annual earnings.
FAMLI provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year. Parents with a baby in neonatal intensive care (NICU) can receive up to an additional 12 weeks of NICU leave, for a total of up to 24 weeks. Birthing parents who also experience pregnancy or childbirth complications can reach a total of up to 28 weeks. Benefits are not taxable for Colorado state income tax purposes.
The State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) for 2026-2027 is $1,608.91. This is the benchmark used by the FAMLI division to set benefit maximums and is updated annually.
For a detailed benefit estimate tailored to your income, use the Colorado FAMLI benefit calculator.
FAMLI Benefit Sliding Scale (2026)
The FAMLI sliding scale is designed to replace a higher percentage of lower-wage workers' earnings. Here is how the 2026 benefit calculation works at different income levels.
| Average Weekly Wage | Weekly Benefit | Replacement Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $450.00 | 90% |
| $804.46 | $724.01 | 90% |
| $1,000 | $821.78 | 82% |
| $1,442.31 | $1,042.94 | 72% |
| $1,608.91 (SAWW) | $1,126.24 | 70% |
| $2,000 | $1,321.78 | 66% |
| $2,252.47+ | $1,448.02 (max) | 64% or less |
At $804.46 per week, you receive 90% replacement ($724.01). At $1,000 per week, you receive 82% replacement ($821.78). The replacement rate decreases as income increases, but the dollar amount continues to rise until hitting the $1,448.02 cap.
The sliding scale structure is intended to help lower-wage workers more fully replace their income while on leave. Higher-wage workers receive a smaller percentage replacement but still receive meaningful support.
The formula applied to all claims: Benefit = (min(AWW, $804.46) x 0.90) + (max(AWW - $804.46, 0) x 0.50), capped at $1,448.02.
Compare Colorado's program with Massachusetts PFML, Oregon PFML, or Washington PFML.
Employers: What You Need to Know About FAMLI
Employers with 10 or more employees must pay the 0.44% employer share of FAMLI. Employers with 1-9 employees are exempt from the employer share, but their employees still pay 0.44%. All employers must withhold the employee share from paychecks.
Employer size is determined by the number of employees on payroll, not just full-time workers. Part-time employees count toward the 10-employee threshold. Remote workers based in Colorado also count toward headcount.
Employers must register with the My FAMLI+ Employer portal, withhold employee premiums, remit premiums quarterly, and report wages electronically. The employer share is tax-deductible as a business expense.
Some employers choose to pay the employee's 0.44% share as a benefit. When this happens, the amount paid becomes taxable income to the employee and must be reported on Form W-2.
Employers who fail to withhold or remit FAMLI premiums face penalties under C.R.S. 8-13.3-507. Interest and fines can accrue on late payments.
FAMLI vs Other Colorado Paycheck Taxes
FAMLI is one of several deductions from a Colorado paycheck. It is separate from federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Colorado state income tax.
| Tax | Rate | Employee Pays? | Employer Pays? | Annual Cap? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAMLI Employee Share | 0.44% | Yes | No | $184,500 |
| FAMLI Employer Share | 0.44% | No | Yes (10+ employees) | $184,500 |
| Colorado State Income Tax | 4.4% | Yes | No | No cap |
| Social Security | 6.2% | Yes | Yes (6.2%) | $184,500 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | Yes | Yes (1.45%) | No cap |
| Denver OPT | $5.75/month | Yes* | No | $69/year |
FAMLI is a state program, while FICA is federal. FAMLI funds paid leave when you need time off for a qualifying event, while FICA funds Social Security retirement and Medicare health coverage.
FAMLI is one of the smaller deductions on a paycheck. On a $75,000 salary, it is about $12.69 per biweekly paycheck, compared to $172 for federal tax, $90 for Social Security, $21 for Medicare, and $115 for Colorado state tax.
*The Denver Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT) is $5.75 per month for employees who earn at least $500 in gross wages in a calendar month from work performed in Denver. It appears as a separate line item on pay stubs for qualifying Denver employees. FAMLI and OPT are separate deductions.
Why This Is the Only FAMLI Calculator You Need
Most paycheck calculators show what you pay into FAMLI but stop there. This calculator goes further — it shows both your FAMLI deduction AND your estimated weekly FAMLI benefit if you take leave.
No other third-party calculator combines FAMLI premium calculation (what you pay) with benefit estimation (what you would receive). That is intentional. Knowing both numbers gives you the complete picture of how FAMLI affects your finances.
This tool also lets you switch between employer and employee perspectives. Employees see their net pay and benefit estimates. Employers see their total payroll costs including the employer share. This dual perspective is not available on any other calculator.
Every rate and cap on this page is verified against official Colorado FAMLI data for 2026. Many calculators still show outdated 2025 rates (0.45% employee share). This calculator uses the current 0.44% rate.
This calculator is for Colorado employees who want to verify their FAMLI deduction, employers who need to calculate payroll withholdings, and anyone planning FAMLI leave who wants to know their weekly benefit amount before taking time off.
All calculations are based on official 2026 rates from famli.colorado.gov, Social Security wage base data from SSA.gov, and Colorado state tax rates from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado FAMLI
Q1: What is the Colorado FAMLI tax rate for 2026? ▼
Q2: How much FAMLI tax is taken from my paycheck? ▼
Q3: Do I have to pay FAMLI tax if I am self-employed? ▼
Q4: Can my employer pay my FAMLI share? ▼
Q5: What is the Social Security wage base for FAMLI in 2026? ▼
Q6: How do I know if my FAMLI deduction is correct? ▼
Q7: What FAMLI benefits will I receive if I take leave? ▼
Q8: How does FAMLI affect my Colorado tax return? ▼
Q9: What is the difference between FAMLI and FMLA? ▼
Q10: Who qualifies for Colorado FAMLI benefits? ▼
Q11: What if my employer does not withhold FAMLI? ▼
Q12: Is FAMLI tax deductible on my federal return? ▼
Q13: What is the maximum FAMLI benefit for 2026? ▼
Q14: Do I pay FAMLI tax on bonuses and commissions? ▼
Q15: What is Denver OPT and is it related to FAMLI? ▼
How This FAMLI Calculator Works — Methodology
This calculator uses the official 2026 Colorado FAMLI rates, Social Security wage base, and state tax rates to estimate your paycheck and FAMLI benefits. All calculations follow the formulas published by the Colorado FAMLI Division.
FAMLI employee share is calculated as 0.44% of gross wages up to the $184,500 wage cap. The employer share of 0.44% is added when the employer has 10 or more employees. The total FAMLI premium is 0.88% of wages up to the cap.
Federal income tax uses the 2026 IRS tax brackets and standard deductions from IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32: $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, and $24,150 for head of household. The full seven-bracket structure is applied (10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%). Social Security uses 6.2% up to the same $184,500 wage cap. Medicare uses 1.45% with no cap, plus 0.9% additional for high earners above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
Colorado state income tax uses the flat 4.4% rate applied to Colorado taxable income — gross wages minus the Colorado standard deduction, which mirrors the federal standard deduction for the selected filing status (per C.R.S. 39-22-104). This ensures the estimate reflects actual withholding practice rather than overstating tax on raw gross wages.
Weekly FAMLI benefit is calculated using the sliding scale: 90% of the first $804.46 of average weekly wage, plus 50% of any amount above that, capped at the 2026 maximum of $1,448.02 per week. You can verify these figures on the official Colorado FAMLI premium and benefits calculator at famli.colorado.gov.
All rates are sourced from: famli.colorado.gov (FAMLI rates), SSA.gov (wage base), Colorado Department of Revenue (state tax), and IRS.gov / Revenue Procedure 2025-32 (federal tax brackets and standard deductions). All data is current for 2026.
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual withholdings may vary based on your specific W-4, DR 0004 elections, employer practices, and other factors. Consult your payroll department or tax professional for exact numbers.