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Layoff Calculator

Severance in Colorado

Coloradoseverance & layoff calculator

State law shapes how much of your severance you keep, when you can collect unemployment, and whether your employer owed you advance notice. Here’s what applies in Colorado.

Top marginal tax
4.40%

Severance is taxed at your state's top marginal rate when it pushes you into that bracket.

WARN Act
Federal WARN only

Colorado doesn't have a state mini-WARN, so federal rules apply: 100+ employees, 60 days' notice.

Unemployment max
$781 / week

Up to 26 weeks. Unemployment insurance is reduced or offset while severance is paid; you can typically collect a partial benefit.

PTO payout
Required by law

Colorado requires accrued, unused PTO to be paid out at separation regardless of your employment agreement.

Right to work
No

Non-right-to-work; union representation may be relevant to severance and grievance procedures.

Notes for Colorado
Worth knowing

Earned vacation must be paid out at separation (Nieto v. Clark’s Market).

Sources: state department of labor, state department of revenue, and the U.S. Department of Labor ETA. Last verified: 2026-04.

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Step 1 of 3

Tell us about your income.

We use this to estimate your severance and what taxes will take.

Your gross pre-tax salary, not including bonus or equity.

$/ year

Time at your current employer. Decimals OK (e.g. 4.5).

Estimates based on public data and industry benchmarks. Not legal advice.