Colorado Considers Amendment 87 to Increase Taxes on Top Earners and Businesses
A discussion in Colorado about Amendment 87, a proposed ballot measure that aims to increase taxes on the top 3% of earners and 5% of businesses, with a projected annual revenue of $2.7 billion.
Denver, CO, September 13, 2026 —
Lawmakers and citizens in Colorado are engaged in discussions surrounding Amendment 87, a proposed ballot measure that could significantly alter the state’s tax structure. The initiative, if passed, would seek to increase tax burdens on a segment of the state’s highest-earning individuals and businesses.
Specifically, Amendment 87 targets the top 3% of income earners and the top 5% of businesses within Colorado. The stated objective of this proposed measure is to generate substantial new revenue for the state. Proponents estimate that if enacted, Amendment 87 could yield an annual revenue of approximately $2.7 billion.
The details regarding how this projected revenue would be allocated or what specific public services it would fund have not been made public in the initial discussion summaries. Similarly, information concerning the timeline for when this measure might appear on a ballot, the specific legislative committees involved in its review, or any public hearings that have been held is not currently available.
Discussions around tax policy and revenue generation are recurring themes in Colorado, often involving debates about income tax rates, corporate taxes, and the distribution of state funds. This proposed amendment represents a direct approach to increasing the state’s revenue by focusing on higher-income brackets and larger business entities, aiming to tap into resources that may be less impacted by incremental tax increases.
Further details on the potential economic impacts, the specific mechanisms for tax collection, and the legislative process for Amendment 87 are expected to emerge as discussions progress. The projected $2.7 billion in annual revenue would represent a significant addition to the state’s budget, potentially influencing a wide range of state programs and initiatives depending on future legislative decisions.
Story summarized from the original created by Mike Littwin on coloradosun.com, see more information here.
