Colorado ballot measure · November 3, 2026

Colorado Proposition 136, explained

Cap on the state income tax rate. A ballot measure is a yes-or-no question put directly to voters — no candidate is involved, and the wording on the ballot is the wording that becomes law. This page shows that wording first, then what it actually changes.

The official wording

Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes capping the state income tax rate at 4.4% of federal taxable income for individuals and corporations?

This is what appears on the ballot. Everything below explains it.

What it actually means

Writes the current 4.4% state income tax rate into state law as the maximum rate for individuals and corporations, starting January 1, 2027. It does not change anyone's taxes now. It conflicts with Amendment 87, which would set rates up to 8.4% on high incomes.

If you vote YES

State law would cap individual and corporate income tax rates at 4.4% beginning in 2027.
Current taxes would not change, and the Legislature or voters could still lower the rate.
If Amendment 87 also passes, its higher rates on income over $500,000 would conflict with the cap; the Legislature or a court would have to resolve it, generally favoring the measure with more votes.
No fiscal impact, according to Legislative Council Staff.

If you vote NO

The income tax rate would stay at 4.4% with no statutory cap.
The constitution would still require voter approval for any tax rate increase.
Amendment 87, if approved, would take effect without a competing cap.

The numbers that matter

Fiscal impact: None
Rate cap: 4.4%

Why supporters say YES

The measure reinforces voter support for the current rate, which voters approved in 2022 and which keeps Colorado's income tax among the lowest in the country.
— Colorado Blue Book argument for Proposition 136 (Legislative Council Staff)

Why opponents say NO

The measure is designed to put Amendment 87 in legal jeopardy, creating confusion and a costly legal fight; after the election it has no effect, since tax increases already require voter approval.
— Colorado Blue Book argument against Proposition 136 (Legislative Council Staff)

What’s genuinely uncertain

If both Proposition 136 and Amendment 87 pass, the outcome is unclear: Amendment 87 is a constitutional amendment and Proposition 136 a statute, and the Blue Book says the Legislature or a court would decide.
The measure is sponsored by Advance Colorado, according to Colorado Newsline; no registered opposition committee was identified in the sources reviewed.

The bottom line

Locking in the current flat 4.4% rate as a ceiling, against a direct legal conflict with the graduated income tax in Amendment 87.

One neutral sentence describing the tradeoff — not a recommendation.

Sources:leg.colorado.gov coloradosos.gov coloradonewsline.com

Checking it against the official text

The Colorado Secretary of State publishes the certified measures and, in most states, an official voter guide with fiscal notes. That is the authoritative version. Everything here is an explanation of it, not a substitute for it.

Confirm this with the official source

Your ballot is determined by your election authority, not by us. Verify your registration, precinct, and sample ballot at Colorado Secretary of State.

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