Estimate your quarterly taxes as a self-employed worker in Aurora for 2026, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Colorado state income tax.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Aurora freelancers pay federal self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Colorado state income tax (Flat 4.4%). Colorado uses a flat income tax rate of 4.4%. The state's TABOR amendment requires voter approval for any tax increases.
| Tax Component | Rate / Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Tax | 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit |
| Social Security portion | 12.4% on first $176,100 |
| Medicare portion | 2.9% (no cap) |
| SE Tax Deduction | Deduct half of SE tax from income |
| Federal Standard Deduction (Single) | $15,000 |
| Colorado State Income Tax | Flat 4.4% |
| Aurora Local Income Tax | None |
| Quarterly Due Dates | April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 |
Aurora is the third-largest city in Colorado, just east of Denver, with an economy anchored by the Anschutz Medical Campus and a large biosciences cluster, Buckley Space Force Base, aerospace and defense, logistics, and one of the most diverse populations in the state.
| Local Metric | Aurora (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 395,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Arapahoe County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 100 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $43.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $15.00/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,850/month |
| Median home price | $490,000 |
| Median household income | $80,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.52% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax, you generally must pay quarterly. This covers freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, and LLC members in Aurora. Colorado also requires state estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in Colorado income tax for the year.
Federal estimated taxes are due April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15. Colorado uses the same quarterly schedule as the IRS for its state estimated payments.
A common rule is 25% to 35% of net profit. Because Colorado adds state income tax (Flat 4.4%) on top of federal taxes, Aurora freelancers often set aside toward the higher end. Use the calculator above for your numbers.
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to $176,100 of net earnings, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap). It applies to 92.35% of net profit, and half of it is deductible against income tax.
Aurora does not levy a local personal income tax. Your estimated payments cover federal taxes and Colorado state income tax.