The state tax return filing process has officially started in Colorado, and it’s time for full-year residents to file their state taxes if they want to qualify for state sales tax refunds. This is part of Colorado’s “Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights” (TABOR), a law that guarantees tax refunds when the state collects more revenue than expected. Taxpayers who meet the requirements will receive refunds in the form of checks. The deadline for filing state taxes is October 15th, 2025.
The refunds themselves will range from $800 to $1600, depending on whether an individual or joint return is filed. These refunds apply to those who file the Colorado Individual Income Tax Return 2024 or the Colorado Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate 2024. Previously, these refunds were issued separately, but now taxpayers will receive a combined check for their state sales tax refunds.
Colorado $800-$1600 Checks 2025: What You Need to Know
The Department of Revenue (DoR) in Colorado is in charge of accepting tax returns and distributing these tax refunds. The TABOR refund is given to full-year residents of Colorado who qualify under the law. So, why are these refunds happening? Essentially, it’s because the state collected more revenue than anticipated in the previous year, and according to TABOR provisions, that extra money must be returned to taxpayers.
A large portion of these refunds are allocated to counties as reimbursement for property taxes that were paid by residents. The Department of the Treasury handles these reimbursements, using financial reports from each county. On the other hand, the DoR directly manages refunds to individual taxpayers.
Key Details of Colorado’s $800-$1600 Checks
- Program Name: Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR)
- Refund Type: State Sales Tax Refund
- Beneficiaries: Full-year residents of Colorado
- Refund Amount: $800 for individual taxpayers and $1600 for joint filers
- Tax Filing Deadline: October 15, 2025
- Expected Payment Dates: Fourth quarter of 2025
- Eligibility: Full-year Colorado residents who file their 2024 taxes (either Individual Income Tax Return or Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate)
- Authority: Colorado Department of Revenue
- Link: www.tax.colorado.gov
Who is Eligible for the Colorado Refunds?
To receive the $800-$1600 TABOR refund, you need to meet certain requirements:
- Residency: You must have been a full-time resident of Colorado for the 2024 tax year.
- Age: You should be at least 18 years old at the start of the 2024 tax year.
- Tax Filing Requirement:
- For those required to file taxes by April 15, 2025, you must file your state taxes and may not have any income tax liability in Colorado.
- For those filing by October 15, 2025, you must have an income tax liability, file your state taxes, and file your federal tax returns for the year.
- Property Taxes: If applicable, property taxes must also be filed by April 15, 2025, to be included in the refund.
Just a heads-up: you must file your tax returns in order to receive the TABOR refund. There won’t be any direct payments issued like the Colorado Cash Back program.
Understanding the TABOR Refund Process
The TABOR refund process is linked to the taxes filed by full-time residents in Colorado. It’s essentially a way to redistribute excess taxes collected by the state during a tax year and show appreciation to taxpayers for their contributions.
Deadlines for Filing Taxes in 2025
For most taxpayers, the deadline to file your 2024 tax returns is April 15, 2025. However, if you don’t need to file by this date, you have until October 15, 2025, to submit your returns and be eligible for the refund.
Expected Refund Amounts
In 2025, you can expect the following refund amounts under the TABOR provisions:
- $800 for individual taxpayers
- $1600 for joint filers (two people filing together)
When Will You Receive Your Refund?
While payment dates might vary depending on when you file your taxes, it’s anticipated that all TABOR refunds will be issued in the fourth quarter of 2025, once all tax returns have been processed. If you file early, there’s a good chance you’ll get your refund sooner!
So, if you’re a full-year Colorado resident, make sure to file your taxes by October 15, 2025, to receive your refund.
