Colorado TABOR Refund 2025: Up to $1,600 for Eligible Taxpayers

Colorado residents are in for a treat! The state has announced Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) refunds, with some people getting up to $1,600. This money comes from extra taxes collected by the state, which must be returned to taxpayers under Colorado’s constitution. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the TABOR refund, who qualifies, when you’ll get it, and how to make sure you receive your payment.

What is the TABOR Refund?

The TABOR refund is money Colorado gives back to its residents when the state collects more taxes than allowed. This rule started in 1992 with the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights amendment. For 2024-2025, Colorado collected about $3.7 billion extra, so taxpayers will get refunds. Depending on your income, you could receive up to $1,600 if you’re in the highest income group and file taxes with a partner.

Why Up to $1,600?

The $1,600 amount is for people who earn the most and file taxes jointly. Others will get different amounts based on how much they earn. This year’s refund is one of the biggest ever because Colorado’s economy is doing well, even with some challenges across the country.

Who Can Get the TABOR Refund?

To get the refund, you need to meet a few requirements. Here’s what you need to know:

Residency Rules

You must have lived in Colorado for all of 2024.
If you only lived in Colorado part of the year, you might get a smaller refund.
People who don’t live in Colorado but paid state taxes usually don’t qualify.

Tax Filing Rules

File your 2024 Colorado tax return by October 15, 2025.
If you don’t usually file taxes because your income is low, you can fill out a simple TABOR form.
If you file taxes with a partner, you’ll get one refund for both of you.
If someone claims you as a dependent, you can’t get a separate refund.

Special Cases

If someone passed away in 2024, their estate might still get a refund.
New Colorado residents only get refunds for taxes paid while living here.
Military members stationed elsewhere may have special rules.
College students can qualify if they file taxes on their own.
Seniors with property tax exemptions might get extra benefits.

How Much Will You Get?

The amount you receive depends on your income and whether you file taxes alone or with a partner. Here are the estimated amounts:

Single Filers

Income $48,000 or less: About $590
Income $48,001 to $151,000: About $845
Income $151,001 or more: About $1,135

Joint Filers

Income $96,000 or less: About $1,180
Income $96,001 to $302,000: About $1,390
Income $302,001 or more: Up to $1,600

These numbers might change slightly once the state finishes its calculations.

How to Check If You Qualify

You can easily find out if you’re eligible for the refund and how much you’ll get.

Online Portal

Visit colorado.gov/revenueonline to:

Check if you qualify using your Social Security number and tax info.
See your income group.
Find out your refund amount.
Update your bank details for direct deposit.
Track when your refund is coming.

Contact the State

If you need help:

Call the TABOR hotline at 303-951-4996.
Visit state offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, or Pueblo.
Book an online appointment with a state worker.

Have your Social Security number and tax return ready when you reach out.

When and How Will You Get Your Refund?

The state will send out refunds in stages, depending on how you filed your taxes and how you want to receive the money.

Direct Deposit

Filed by June 30, 2025: Refunds start August 1, 2025.
Filed later: Refunds between August 15 and September 30, 2025.
Filed late with an extension: Refunds 4-8 weeks after your return is processed.

Paper Checks

Filed early: Checks mailed starting August 15, 2025.
Filed during the regular period: Checks mailed September 1 to October 15, 2025.
Filed late: Checks mailed 6-10 weeks after processing.

Don’t worry if your neighbor gets their refund first—it’s normal for payments to come at different times.

Common Questions About TABOR Refunds

Here are answers to things people often ask:

Are Refunds Taxable?

No, TABOR refunds aren’t considered income.
You don’t need to report them on your 2025 taxes.
They won’t affect your eligibility for benefits.

What If You Moved?

If you chose direct deposit, your address doesn’t matter.
If you’re getting a check, update your address with Form DR 1093.
Update your address by July 15, 2025, to avoid delays.
The post office won’t forward refund checks.

Multiple Jobs?

All your Colorado income counts toward your refund amount.
You only get one refund, even with multiple jobs.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a contractor or employee.

What If You Don’t Get Your Refund?

If you think you qualify but haven’t received your money:

Check your status on the online portal.
Confirm your bank or address details.
File a tracer request if there’s still an issue.
Call the TABOR hotline for help.

The state has a team to fix missing refund problems, usually within 15 business days.

Watch Out for Scams

Be careful—scammers might try to trick you during refund season. Watch for:

Calls asking for personal info to “get your refund.”
Requests to pay a fee to speed up your refund.
Strange emails or social media ads about refunds.

The state will never ask for money or bank details over the phone, email, or text for TABOR refunds.

Conclusion

The 2025 TABOR refund is great news for Colorado taxpayers, with up to $1,600 for some. By knowing who qualifies, when payments are coming, and how to check your status, you can make sure you get your money smoothly. Most people just need to file their 2024 taxes, and the state will handle the rest. Stay informed to avoid scams and enjoy this financial boost from Colorado’s strong economy!