Colorado TABOR Refund Denied? Essential Information & 2025 Updates from the Department of Revenue

Colorado’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) Amendment, passed by voters in 1992, restricts the amount of revenue state and local governments can collect and spend without voter approval. When revenue exceeds the limit, TABOR mandates that the excess be refunded to taxpayers—unless voters approve a different use for the surplus.

TABOR Refund Issues: What to Do if Your Claim Was Denied
Recently, some taxpayers who were eligible for their TABOR refunds have had their claims denied by the Colorado Department of Revenue. If you are one of these individuals, don’t worry — please provide us with the notice. We will help you determine whether the denial is accurate and assist in rectifying the issue if it was in error.

Eligibility for the 2023 TABOR Refund
To be eligible for the TABOR refund when filing your 2023 return, you must have met the following requirements:

File a 2023 DR 0104 by April 15, 2024, if you:

• Were at least 18 years old when the tax year began,
• Do not have a Colorado income tax liability,
• Are not claiming a refund of wage withholding, and
• Are not otherwise required to file a Colorado return because you have no federal filing requirement.

​File a 2023 DR 0104 by October 15, 2024, if you:

• Have a Colorado income tax liability,
• Claim a refund of wage withholding, or
• Are required to file a Colorado return because you are required to file a federal return (this is what we’re noticing is getting overlooked).

Looking Ahead: 2025 TABOR Refunds
For 2025, Colorado collected an excess of $1.4 billion in revenue, which will be refunded to taxpayers. The Colorado Legislative Council estimates that these refunds will range from $181 to $1,142, depending on income levels and filing status.

There has been ongoing discussion about potentially reducing tax rates as part of the refund process, but so far, none of these conversations have resulted in concrete action.

In summary, if you have experienced a denial of your refund, remember to pass along any notices to us so we can assist you in resolving the issue. As we look ahead to 2025, taxpayers can anticipate another round of TABOR refunds, with refund amounts dependent on individual income levels and filing status.

For any questions or to seek assistance with your TABOR refund, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help guide you through the process.