Coloradans are getting a present again in the New Year: TABOR refunds worth $1.7 billion. The money is from the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights program, which remits excess dollars paid in state revenue to eligible Colorado residents.
This year’s TABOR refund is significantly lower than the prior year’s, which was $3.28 billion. However, Centennial State residents can still expect to receive anywhere from $177 to $1,130 per taxpayer, depending on income and filing status.
Read on for eligibility requirements and how much you might get. A key aspect of the TABOR calculation will be handled differently this time around.
How to get the Colorado TABOR refund
To receive the 2025 TABOR refund, you must file your state income tax return and meet the below eligibility requirements:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
- At least 18 years old as of the beginning of the tax year.
- Be a Colorado resident for the entire tax year.
- File a Colorado state income tax return or a property tax, rent, or heat refund.
The deadline to file your state taxes is the same as federal guidelines: April 15, 2025 (tax day) or by the extension due date of Oct. 15, 2025.
2025 Colorado TABOR refund: How much is it?
The payout amount depends on your Colorado-modified adjusted gross income. Based on that, the state’s Department of Revenue will issue 2025 TABOR refunds following the below schedule:
| Adjusted gross income | Single filer | Married filing joint filer |
|---|---|---|
| $0 to $53,000 | $177 | $354 |
| $53,001 to $105,000 | $240 | $480 |
| $105,001 to $166,000 | $277 | $554 |
| $166,001 to $233,000 | $323 | $646 |
| $233,001 to $302,000 | $350 | $700 |
| $302,001+ | $565 | $1,130 |
Taxpayers who claimed last year’s TABOR by Oct. 15, 2024, received a larger payout of $800 per individual or $1,600 for those filing jointly. Due to legislative changes (more on that below), the 2026 numbers are predicted to be even lower than in 2024 and 2025.
Where is my TABOR refund?
According to the Colorado Department of Revenue website, income tax refunds can take 7-10 business days after they’re sent out for payment.
To check the status of your refund, you can use the online tool on the state’s website or call (303) 238-7378 if the check or direct deposit has been missing for more than 30 days.
Your 2025 Colorado state income tax will include:
- TABOR payment combined and issued with your normal tax refund, if you meet all other eligibility requirements.
- A drop in the state income tax rate.
However, for 2026, Coloradans will see a decline in TABOR payment amounts.
Lower Colorado income tax rate and 2026 TABOR refunds
Thanks to Senate Bill 24-228 signed by Gov. Jared Polis in May, Colorado state income tax rates will drop from 4.40% to 4.25%. This reduction will automatically apply when you file your 2024 state income tax return in 2025.
But amid this good news comes a lower future payout for TABOR.
Late last month, the Colorado Legislative Council forecasted 2026 payouts to be just $41 (single file) or $82 (joint filers) across all income levels.
The notable decrease is due to legislation that passed several new and expanded income tax credits and deductions earlier this year. More than $1 billion in 2026 TABOR revenue will support changes in state taxes.
The forecast also predicts that 2027 and 2028 payouts will increase, but not surpass, $150 per filer. Consequently, 2025 may be the last year Coloradans can enjoy higher TABOR payments for a few years.
Related Content
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Close Mixed Amid War Angst, Nvidia AnxietyMarkets went into risk-off mode amid rising geopolitical tensions and high anxiety ahead of bellwether Nvidia's earnings report.
-
What the Comcast Cable Spinoff Means for InvestorsComcast has announced plans to spin off select cable networks and digital assets into a separate publicly traded company. Here's what you need to know.
-
Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction: What’s the Difference?Tax Breaks Your guide to tax deductions and credits, how the IRS treats them differently, and how they impact your tax bill.
-
Premium Tax Credit: Are You Eligible For This Health Insurance Tax Break?Tax Credits The tax credit can help qualifying individuals pay for coverage from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.
-
IRS: Here’s How to Recover Your Tax Records After a Natural DisasterTax Records Your tax documents can help you get federal relief faster, the IRS says.
-
Voters Approve New Veteran Property Tax ReliefTax Relief Thanks to the election, some Veterans will soon see expanded property tax exemptions.
-
Nevada Approves Diaper Tax Relief Amid Childcare CrisisTax Relief Nevada voters have expanded sales tax relief to diapers. But are prices still too high?
-
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2024: How Much Will You Get?Tax Credits The refundable amount for workers with or without children is slightly higher this year. Here’s what you need to know.
-
Five Cities With the Lowest Property Tax in the U.S.Property Tax Property taxes are ultra-low in these popular metro areas, but is housing affordable?
-
IRS Expands Tax Breaks for Breast Cancer Screenings, ContraceptivesHealthcare Now you can get a tax deduction or reimbursement for certain medical expenses, like over-the-counter birth control and condoms.
