City Business Guides, Denver, Finance & Capital

Denver Tax and Financial Services for Business Owners

Colorado’s tax environment is one of the more straightforward in the US: a flat 4.4% state income tax rate, no inventory tax, and property taxes that rank among the lowest in the nation. That said, Denver business owners still face federal tax complexity, payroll obligations, sales tax compliance (Colorado’s sales tax system is notoriously complex with state, county, city, and special district rates), and new Colorado-specific requirements like FAMLI contributions. Here’s what you need to know about taxes and financial services in Denver.

Colorado Tax Overview for Denver Businesses

State Income Tax

Colorado has a flat 4.4% state income tax rate for individuals and pass-through entities (LLCs, S-Corps). C-Corps pay Colorado’s flat 4.4% corporate income tax rate. Pass-through income is reported on Colorado Form DR 0106 (partnerships/S-Corps) or Schedule E.

Sales Tax

Colorado’s sales tax system is uniquely complex — among the most complex in the US. Denver businesses collect city, county, state, and special district taxes that can combine to 8-9% or more depending on location. Denver’s base sales tax rate is 8.81% (as of 2025). Businesses selling across multiple Colorado jurisdictions must register and remit in each. The Colorado Sales Use Tax System (SUTS) helps streamline multi-jurisdiction compliance.

FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance)

Colorado launched the FAMLI program in 2023. Employers with 10+ employees share the premium cost with employees. For small businesses, understanding FAMLI payroll deductions and employer contributions is critical. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees pay no employer share but still deduct employee portions.

No State Inventory Tax

Colorado does not tax inventory, making it favorable for product businesses and manufacturers in the Denver metro area.

Denver Occupational Privilege Tax (OPT)

Denver imposes an Occupational Privilege Tax on businesses and employees working in Denver. Employers pay $4/month per employee, and employees pay $5.75/month. This is a city-specific tax that applies to businesses with physical locations in Denver city limits.

Denver CPA and Accounting Firms

EKS&H (merged into Plante Moran)

One of Colorado’s largest regional accounting firms, now operating as Plante Moran. Serves mid-market companies, private equity, real estate, and tech businesses across the Denver metro. Full-service audit, tax, and advisory practice.

Eide Bailly LLP (Denver Office)

Top 25 national CPA firm with a strong Denver presence. Covers business tax planning, audit, advisory services, and technology consulting. Good fit for growing Denver businesses that need more than basic compliance work.

Hein & Associates

Denver-based CPA firm focused on audit, tax, and advisory for private companies, real estate, and not-for-profit organizations. Colorado roots with deep knowledge of state-specific tax issues including cannabis industry accounting.

Anton Collins Mitchell (ACM)

Denver-based regional firm serving entrepreneurs, closely-held businesses, real estate investors, and family businesses. Known for personalized service and deep expertise in Colorado tax law.

Swingle Collins & Associates

Boutique Denver CPA firm specializing in business tax, estate planning, and financial consulting for small to mid-size Colorado businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Financial Planning and Wealth Management in Denver

Kayne Anderson Rudnick (Denver office)

Investment management and financial planning for business owners and executives. Offices in the Denver Tech Center serving Front Range entrepreneurs and corporate executives.

RegentAtlantic (Colorado)

Fee-only financial planning and investment management. Serves business owners planning for exit, retirement, and estate transitions. Independent fiduciary advisors with no product sales conflicts.

Colorado Financial Management

Denver-based fee-only RIA focused on comprehensive financial planning for Colorado business owners and professionals. Flat-fee and AUM-based models available.