Estimate your self-employment tax in Denver for 2026: the 15.3% SE tax, the deductible half, federal income tax, state income tax, and quarterly payments.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Denver self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus 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.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,113 | $1,528 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $11,987 | $2,997 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $19,952 | $4,988 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $29,618 | $7,405 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $49,372 | $12,343 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Colorado state tax. Estimates only.
Denver is the capital and economic center of Colorado and the Mountain West, with an economy spanning aerospace and defense, energy, financial services, healthcare, a major federal presence, and a fast-growing technology and outdoor-recreation industry along the Front Range.
| Local Metric | Denver (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 715,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | the City and County of Denver |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 115 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $22.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $44.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $18.29/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,700/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $2,150/month |
| Median home price | $560,000 |
| Median household income | $85,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8.81% |
| 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.
The federal SE tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare), the same in Denver as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Colorado taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (Flat 4.4%), so Denver freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Denver, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $14,924, or roughly $3,731 per quarter.
Denver does not levy a local self-employment or income tax. Colorado cities do not levy a local business income tax, but Denver imposes an Occupational Privilege Tax (a flat monthly head tax of $5.75 per employee earning over $500 a month, plus $4.00 per covered employee paid by the business) and requires a business and sales tax license. Budget for the OPT and the Colorado periodic report fee on top of the state LLC filing fee.
Business expenses that lower net profit (equipment, software, home office, mileage) reduce both SE tax and income tax. The deductible half of SE tax, self-employed health insurance, and retirement contributions reduce income tax.