Colorado Payroll Tax and Registration Guide

Updated March 12, 2021 -- For Administrators

Account Number(s) Needed:

Companies who pay employees in Colorado should first register with the CO Secretary of State (if not already registered to do business in CO), then register online with the CO Department of Revenue (DOR) and Department of Labor and Employment (DLE) to receive both a Withholding Account Number and an Unemployment Insurance Account Number within 7-10 days.

CO DOR Withholding Account Number: 99999999 (8 digits)

Find a current WAN number:
- On Form UITR-1, CO Employer's Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Report or by contacting the CO Department of Revenue.

CO DLE Unemployment Insurance Account Number: 999999.99 9 (9 digits)

Find a current UAN number:
- On Form UITR-1, CO Employer's Unemployment Insurance Quarterly Report or by contacting the CO Department of Labor and Employment.

CO Denver Account Number: 999999999999 (12 digits)

Apply for a Denver tax ID online here.
You will receive a 10 digit confirmation number after submitting the application. Please note, this is NOT your tax ID!
You will see your 12 digit tax ID by logging into your tax account 2-3 business days after submitting your application.

Required Payroll Documentation:

Withholding

Filed electronically in Colorado. Use a payroll report that contains Employee Name, SSN, Quarterly Wages Paid and Amounts withheld.

Unemployment

UTR_1 (Quarterly Wage and Contribution Report): Employers can file electronically or by paper. If by paper, the state will mail the original return to the employer. Include any localities as well (e.g., Glendale, Greenwood Village, Denver, Sheridan, Aurora).

Third Party Access /POA Needed:

Local Income Taxes Imposed:

State Resources

Visit state resources for specific tax rates and wage details:

Dept. of Revenue (Withholding Taxes)
Dept. of Labor and Employment (Unemployment Taxes)

Colorado also requires employers to register for an Electronic Funds Transfer Credit ID in order to electronically deposit payroll taxes. Colorado EFT Credit ID Format: 999... Learn more

Registering for a Denver Tax ID

You can apply for a Denver tax ID online here. You will receive a 10 digit confirmation number after submitting the application. Please note, this is NOT your tax ID. You will s... Learn more

Authorize Zenefits Payroll as Third Party Administrator in Aurora, Colorado

Employers who use Zenefits Payroll to pay employees in the City of Aurora, Colorado, must authorize Zenefits Payroll as a third party administrator (TPA) with the City of Aurora... Learn more

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