Whether Colorado issues a TABOR refund in 2025 depends on whether the state collects more tax revenue than the TABOR limit allows — something decided in late 2024 for the 2025 tax year, and not yet publicly confirmed

TABOR (the Taxpayer Bill of Rights) requires Colorado to return money to taxpayers when the state takes in more revenue than a formula allows it to keep. The state legislature and governor decide how to return the money — as a refund check, a tax credit, or sometimes by keeping it for specific purposes. For 2025, you will know by spring 2025 whether a refund is coming, because the state must announce the decision before tax season ends.

The short answer: check the Colorado Department of Revenue website in March or April 2025. If a refund is happening, they will post the amount and the method. If no announcement appears by mid-April, no refund is being issued that year.

Key Takeaways

  • TABOR refunds only happen when Colorado collects more revenue than the TABOR formula permits, which varies year to year.
  • The state decides whether to issue a refund, a tax credit, or keep the money for specific purposes — not all surplus years result in a refund to you.
  • If a refund is happening, the Colorado Department of Revenue announces the amount and method by mid-April of the following year.
  • Refunds are typically sent to the address on file with your tax return, or applied as a credit if you have a state tax debt.

How the TABOR formula works and when refunds trigger

TABOR allows Colorado to keep tax revenue equal to the previous year's revenue plus population growth plus inflation. If actual revenue exceeds that limit, the excess must be returned to taxpayers. The state calculates whether a refund is owed after the fiscal year ends and revenue is final — usually by late fall or early winter.

Not every year produces a refund. In years when the economy slows or tax collections fall short, there is no surplus and no refund. In years with strong revenue, the state may have a choice: issue a refund, issue a tax credit, or use the money for specific purposes that TABOR allows (such as education or transportation). The legislature and governor negotiate which option to use.

How to learn about a refund is coming and when

The Colorado Department of Revenue announces TABOR refund decisions on its website, typically in March or April. Search for "TABOR refund" on the department's site (colorado.gov/tax) or look for a press release from the governor's office. The announcement will include the refund amount per taxpayer, the method of delivery, and the timeline for when you will receive it.

If you do not see an announcement by mid-April, it means no refund is being issued that year. You can also contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly at 303-238-7378 to ask whether a refund decision has been made.

Who receives a TABOR refund and how much

TABOR refunds go to Colorado residents who filed a state tax return for the year in question. The amount is usually the same for every taxpayer, though it can vary slightly based on income level or filing status depending on how the legislature structures the refund. A refund might be $50 per person, $100 per household, or another amount — the legislature decides.

If you did not file a Colorado tax return that year, you will not receive a refund unless you were a dependent on someone else's return. If you have a state tax debt (unpaid taxes, child support, or student loans), the refund may be applied to that debt instead of sent to you as a check.

How the refund is delivered

The state typically mails refund checks to the address on file with your tax return. If you filed electronically and provided direct deposit information, the refund may be deposited directly to your bank account instead — this is faster and more reliable than waiting for a check.

If you moved since filing your return, update your address with the Colorado Department of Revenue before the refund is issued. You can do this by filing an amended return or by contacting the department directly. If a check is mailed to an old address and you do not receive it, you can request a replacement check from the department.

What to do if you did not receive your refund

If a TABOR refund was issued and you did not receive it, first check whether it was applied to a state tax debt. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-238-7378 with your Social Security number and tax year. They can tell you whether the refund was issued, when it was sent, and where it went.

If the check was lost in the mail, the department can issue a replacement. If the refund was applied to a debt you have since paid off, you may be able to request a refund of the refund — though this process varies. The department can walk you through the next steps once you know what happened to your original refund.

TABOR refunds versus other Colorado tax credits

TABOR refunds are separate from other tax credits you might receive, such as the Colorado Child Care Contribution Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. Those credits are based on your income and family situation and are claimed on your tax return. A TABOR refund is a one-time payment triggered by state revenue surplus, not by your personal circumstances.

If you are unsure whether you received a TABOR refund in a previous year, check your tax return for that year or contact the Department of Revenue. They can confirm whether a refund was issued and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do anything to get a TABOR refund?

No. If you filed a Colorado tax return for the year and a refund is being issued, the state will send it automatically. You do not need to take any action. The refund will be mailed to the address on your return or deposited directly if you provided banking information.

What if I owe back taxes or child support?

Your TABOR refund will be applied to any state tax debt, child support debt, or student loan debt before it reaches you. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out what your refund was applied to and whether you can dispute the offset.

Can I claim a TABOR refund on my federal taxes?

No. TABOR refunds are not taxable income on your federal return. The IRS treats them as a return of your own money, not as income. You do not report it on your federal tax return.

How long does it take to receive a TABOR refund after it is announced?

If the refund is issued as a check, it typically arrives within four to six weeks of the announcement. Direct deposits are usually faster, arriving within two to three weeks. The state will announce the expected timeline when it announces the refund decision.

What if I moved out of Colorado after filing my return?

If you moved out of state, the refund will still be sent to the address on your Colorado tax return. Update your address with the Department of Revenue if possible, or watch for the check at your old address. If it arrives after you have moved, contact the department to request it be reissued to your new address.