Veterans · Active Duty

Colorado Military Pension Calculator 2026

BRS and Legacy High-3 pension estimates with Colorado state tax impact. Free, no sign-up.

State tax treatment

Partial Exemption

Annual exemption

$24,000

Legacy multiplier

2.5% × YOS

BRS multiplier

2.0% × YOS + TSP match

Colorado state taxes: Colorado exempts up to $24,000 of military retirement income from state taxes. Any pension income above that threshold is taxed at the state's standard income tax rates.

Your service details

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Your current completed years

BRS if you joined after Jan 1, 2018 or opted in. Legacy (High-3) if you joined before 2006.

Contribute at least 5% to maximize the government match. Every percent below 5% is free money you're leaving behind.

Minimum 20 years for full pension. Common milestones: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

Tax situation

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Your retirement income breakdown

Fill in your service details and hit Calculate →

Colorado Military Retirement Tax Guide

Colorado exempts up to $24,000 of military retirement income from state taxes. Any pension income above that threshold is taxed at the state's standard income tax rates.

The $24,000 exemption covers a meaningful portion of most military pensions. An E-7 retiring at 20 years earns roughly $31,000–$38,000/year in pension income, so the exemption offsets most of the state tax exposure for mid-grade retirees.

Use the calculator above to model your after-tax retirement income in Colorado. The calculator accounts for both your pension (BRS or Legacy) and your projected TSP balance so you can see the full retirement picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is military retirement pay taxed in Colorado?

Colorado exempts up to $24,000 of military retirement income from state taxes. Any pension income above that threshold is taxed at the state's standard income tax rates.

What is the difference between BRS and Legacy High-3 for Colorado retirees?

Legacy High-3 pays 2.5% × years of service × your highest 3-year average base pay, with no TSP matching. BRS pays 2.0% × years × High-3 but includes government TSP matching up to 4%. Both pension types receive the same Colorado tax treatment.

How much is a 20-year military pension in Colorado?

A 20-year Legacy pension is 50% of your High-3 base pay. An E-7 at 20 years earns roughly $2,600/month before Colorado state taxes. BRS would be ~$2,080/month plus TSP. Use the calculator above for your exact pay grade.

Does Colorado tax TSP withdrawals?

Colorado taxes TSP withdrawals as ordinary income under its standard income tax rates. Plan both pension and TSP distributions together for your net retirement income.

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