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:
- 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:
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.
