⛰️ Colorado Only

Estimated Tax Calculator

Estimate your annual federal and Colorado state tax obligations based on projected income, dividends, and interest. Includes Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax to give you a complete picture of your estimated tax burden.

⚠ Important Notice: This calculator provides gross estimates only, before any deductions, credits, or adjustments. It does not account for itemized deductions, the standard deduction, retirement contributions, tax-loss harvesting, or any other credits. Your actual tax liability will differ. This tool is for planning and educational purposes only — not a substitute for advice from a qualified tax professional. This calculator applies Colorado state tax law only and is not valid for residents of other states.
Filing Status & Year
Affects bracket thresholds and standard deduction
Self-employed pay both halves of FICA (15.3%)
Estimated Annual Income
W-2 or self-employment income
Net self-employment earnings
Rental income, etc.
Investment Income
Taxed at lower capital gains rates
Taxed as ordinary income
Bank interest, bond interest, SGOV distributions
Held < 1 year — taxed as ordinary income
Held > 1 year — taxed at preferential rates

Understanding Your Tax Components

The U.S. tax system layers multiple obligations on top of each other. Understanding each component is the first step toward informed tax planning.

Federal Income Tax (2026 Brackets)

The U.S. uses a progressive marginal bracket system. Only income above each threshold is taxed at the higher rate. Ordinary income, short-term gains, interest, and non-qualified dividends are subject to ordinary brackets (10%–37%).

Long-Term Capital Gains & Qualified Dividends

Income from assets held over one year — and qualified stock dividends — benefit from preferential rates of 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your total taxable income level. High earners also face the 3.8% NIIT surcharge.

FICA: Social Security & Medicare

Social Security is 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2026 wage base). Medicare is 1.45% with no ceiling. Self-employed individuals pay both the employer and employee portions — effectively 15.3% — though they can deduct half as a business expense.

Colorado State Income Tax

Colorado imposes a simple flat income tax of 4.40% on Colorado-source taxable income. There is no progressive rate structure at the state level, making planning more straightforward than in many other states.

Additional Medicare & NIIT

Taxpayers with wages or SE income exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ) face an additional 0.9% Medicare surcharge. Net investment income above those same thresholds is subject to the 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax.

What This Calculator Does Not Include

Standard or itemized deductions, QBI deduction (Section 199A), retirement contribution deductions (401k, SEP-IRA), child tax credits, foreign tax credits, AMT, Colorado subtractions, and any state-specific credits. Your actual tax bill will almost certainly be lower.

Want a Personalized Tax-Aware Plan?
Taxes are one of the largest drags on long-term wealth accumulation. At River Rose Financial, we integrate tax efficiency into every aspect of portfolio construction — from account location strategy and asset placement to covered call timing and Roth conversion analysis. If you'd like to see how tax-aware investing applies to your specific situation, reach out at info@riverrosefinancial.com.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently — consult a qualified CPA or tax advisor for personalized guidance. River Rose Financial, LLC is a registered investment adviser and does not provide tax preparation services.
Applicable to Colorado residents only · Based on projected 2026 federal tax brackets.

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