[US] Colorado state tax registration guide

This guide is an overview of registering your business for Colorado state payroll taxes. For more support, contact the state agency directly.

This guide includes key payroll tax requirements, links to state agency portals, and instructions for granting third-party access to Wave's partner. These steps are required to complete your tax profile in Wave so we can manage your payroll tax payments and filings on your behalf.

Tax requirements

To pay employees in Colorado, you may need to register for the following taxes:

Colorado Withholding Tax

Employers must register with the Department of Revenue as a Withholding Tax Agent to withhold state income taxes from employees.

• Tax agency: Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR)
• Registration Portal: Register online via MyBizColorado

If your business address is outside of the state, you may need to complete additional forms. To confirm this, contact your state agency. 

Colorado Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax

Employers must register for unemployment insurance with the CDLE.

• Tax agency: Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE)
• Registration Portal: Register online at MyBizColorado. You can find more information at Registering a New UI Employer Account

You also need to grant Wave's partner TPA access. 

Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)

Employers need to register and submit contributions to the FAMLI program.

• Tax agency: Colorado FAMLI Division (CDLE)
• Agency link: Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI)
• Registration Portal: Register online at the My FAMLI+ Employer Portal. You can also watch the video on how to register. 

You also need to grant Wave's partner TPA access 

Local municipal taxes

Colorado Occupational Privilege Taxes (OPT)

Some Colorado municipalities impose OPT. Registration is needed at the city level if you operate in these jurisdictions:

• Aurora: Register online through the Aurora Tax Portal
• Denver: Register online
• Glendale: Register online
• Greenwood Village: Submit a license application. You can find more details on the Business Tax Licensing information page
• Sheridan: Register online. Watch the MuniRevs registration tutorial for more help

A paper application may also be available for these tax accounts. If needed, contact the state directly.

Third-Party Administrator (TPA) access

UI TPA access

To authorize filing on your behalf, you must grant TPA access. To do so for SUI tax:

1. Log in to MyUIEmployer+
2. Navigate to Account Maintenance > Third Party Administrator Authorization.
3. Enter the TPA ID: 500003641
4. Assign start date (must be the first day of the quarter you are running payrolls with Wave; e.g., Q1 2026 = 1/1/2026).
5. Assign the following roles:
   • View Account Maintenance
   • Submit Employment and Wage Detail
   • View Rate Notice and Voluntary Contribution
   • Edit Tax Payments, Update and Submit
6. Save your changes.

For more details, see the step-by-step instructions on the state’s website. You can also view TPA frequently asked questions.

Colorado FAMLI TPA access

To allow third-party access for Colorado FAMLI: 

1. Log in to My FAMLI+ Employer Portal. 
2. Navigate to Manage My Profile > More.
3. Select Grant Third Party Access.
4. Enter the following information on the New Third Party Access screen and submit:
   • Login = Checkhq
   • Access level = ALL ACCESS
5. Access start date = the beginning of the first quarter you are running payrolls with Wave (e.g., Q1 2026 = 1/1/2026). 

For more details, read the User Guide and Resources page.

Complete your payroll tax profile

After completing your registration steps and granting TPA access, complete your payroll tax profile. Be sure to update your account with your:

• Colorado Withholding Tax Account Number
• UI Account Number
• FAMLI Account Number
• Any applicable local OPT account numbers

You need all applicable numbers for timely, accurate payroll tax filings.