Severance Pay in Colorado: Calculator & 2026 Guide
Calculate your estimated severance package in Colorado. Colorado state tax is 4.4%, for a combined 26.4% withholding rate.
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Estimate your severance package based on your salary, years of service, and industry
Colorado Severance Pay Laws
Federal WARN Act requires 60 days notice for layoffs of 50+ employees at companies with 100+ employees.
How Severance Is Taxed in Colorado
| Tax Type | Rate | On $50,000 Severance |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (Supplemental) | 22.0% | $11,000 |
| Colorado State Tax | 4.4% | $2,200 |
| Total Withholding | 26.4% | $13,200 |
| You Keep | 73.6% | $36,800 |
Colorado Severance by Industry
Example: 5 years of service, $75,000 salary, individual contributor in Colorado
| Industry | Weeks/Year | Gross Estimate | After Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | 2-4 | $21,635 | $15,923 |
| Finance & Banking | 2-4 | $21,635 | $15,923 |
| Healthcare | 1-3 | $14,423 | $10,615 |
| Retail | 0.5-2 | $7,212 | $5,308 |
| Manufacturing | 1-3 | $14,423 | $10,615 |
| Consulting & Professional Services | 2-4 | $21,635 | $15,923 |
| Government | 1-2 | $7,212 | $5,308 |
| Nonprofit | 1-2 | $10,817 | $7,962 |
| Other Industry | 1-3 | $14,423 | $10,615 |
How to Negotiate Severance in Colorado
In Colorado, the standard federal WARN Act applies — 60 days notice for layoffs of 50+ employees at companies with 100+ workers.
- ✓ Ask for more weeks: Counter with 50% more than the initial offer
- ✓ Negotiate COBRA: Employer-paid health coverage for 6-12 months
- ✓ Get a written reference: Protect your future career prospects
- ✓ Review non-compete clauses: Negotiate restrictions before signing
- ✓ Consult a lawyer: Employment attorneys often negotiate 2-5x the original offer
Think Your Severance Is Too Low?
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Colorado Severance Pay FAQ
Is severance pay required in Colorado?▼
No, Colorado does not have a state law requiring employers to provide severance pay. However, the federal WARN Act may require 60 days notice or pay in lieu of notice for large layoffs.
How is severance taxed in Colorado?▼
Severance in Colorado is taxed at 26.4% combined — 22% federal supplemental rate plus 4.4% Colorado state income tax. On a $50,000 severance, you'd take home approximately $36,800.
What is the WARN Act in Colorado?▼
The federal WARN Act applies in Colorado, requiring employers with 100+ employees to give 60 days advance notice for mass layoffs of 50+ workers. Failure to provide proper notice can result in back pay for the notice period.
Can I collect unemployment and severance in Colorado?▼
This depends on how your severance is structured. Some Colorado workers can receive both simultaneously, while others may see a delay in unemployment benefits. If severance is paid as a lump sum, it's less likely to delay unemployment than if paid as continued salary. Contact Colorado's unemployment office for specific guidance.
Major Employers in Colorado
Severance Pay in Nearby States
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