TABOR Refund : Colorado residents can expect a substantial financial boost this spring as the state prepares to distribute approximately $1,700 per eligible taxpayer through the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) refund program.

This April 2025 disbursement represents one of the largest TABOR refunds in the state’s history, offering welcome relief to many households still recovering from economic challenges.

What Is TABOR?

The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, commonly known as TABOR, is a unique constitutional provision in Colorado that limits the amount of revenue the state government can retain and spend.

Enacted in 1992 through a voter-approved amendment to the Colorado Constitution, TABOR requires that excess tax revenue collected beyond a specific formula must be returned to taxpayers.

Colorado remains the only state with such a strict constitutional tax and spending limitation, making the TABOR refund a distinctive feature of Colorado’s fiscal landscape.

The provision mandates that any government revenue growth exceeding the rate of inflation plus population growth must be refunded to taxpayers unless voters approve a measure allowing the state to keep the excess funds.

TABOR Refund 2025 Refund Details

The upcoming April 2025 TABOR refund is particularly significant due to Colorado’s strong economic recovery and higher-than-anticipated tax collections during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The state’s Department of Revenue has announced that eligible taxpayers can expect to receive approximately $1,700 per person, with the exact amount varying based on filing status and income level.

Key points about the April 2025 TABOR refund include:

• Individual filers can expect refunds averaging around $1,700

• Joint filers may receive approximately $3,400

• Direct deposits are scheduled to begin April 1, 2025

• Paper checks will be mailed starting April 15, 2025

• All refunds must be issued by June 30, 2025

State officials have emphasized that the refund distribution will be automatic for eligible taxpayers who filed a 2023 Colorado state income tax return. No additional application or request is necessary to receive the refund.

TABOR Refund Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the TABOR refund, taxpayers must meet several criteria:

1. Full-year Colorado residency during the 2023 tax year

2. Filed a 2023 Colorado state income tax return (or applied for a property tax/rent/heat credit rebate)

3. Be at least 18 years old as of December 31, 2023

4. Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return

Colorado residents who did not file a tax return due to insufficient income may still qualify for the refund through the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC) Rebate program.

Those who miss the regular filing deadline may still be eligible if they file by the extended deadline of October 15, 2024.

How to Check Your Refund Status

The Colorado Department of Revenue has established several methods for taxpayers to verify their refund status:

• Online Portal: Visit the official Colorado Department of Revenue website (colorado.gov/revenueonline) and access the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. You’ll need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount from your 2023 tax return.

• Mobile App: Download the Colorado Revenue Mobile App, which offers a user-friendly interface to check refund status and receive notifications.

• Phone System: Call the Colorado Department of Revenue’s automated refund hotline at 1-888-REFUND-CO (1-888-733-8636).

• In-Person: Visit a Colorado Department of Revenue service center with proper identification for direct assistance.

The Department of Revenue recommends checking your status online before calling, as phone wait times may be extended during peak periods.

TABOR Refund Distribution Timeline

The TABOR refund distribution will follow a structured timeline:

• March 15, 2025: Online refund status checker becomes available

• April 1, 2025: First wave of direct deposits begins

• April 15, 2025: First wave of paper checks mailed

• May 1, 2025: Second wave of direct deposits

• May 15, 2025: Second wave of paper checks

• June 30, 2025: Final deadline for all refunds to be issued

Taxpayers who have moved since filing their 2023 return should update their address with the Colorado Department of Revenue as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving their refund.

TABOR Refund Impact on Colorado’s Economy

Economic experts predict that the $1,700 TABOR refund will inject approximately $7.5 billion into Colorado’s economy.

This substantial cash infusion is expected to boost consumer spending, particularly in retail, hospitality, and service sectors.

“The timing of this refund coincides with a period when many Coloradans are still feeling the effects of inflation and economic uncertainty,” noted Dr. Elaine Martinez, economics professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. “This money will likely go directly into the local economy, potentially providing a significant stimulus effect.”

Some economists have suggested that the refund could temporarily accelerate inflation in certain sectors, particularly housing and consumer goods, as the increased spending power enters the market.

TABOR Refund Political Context

The substantial size of the 2025 TABOR refund has reignited the perennial debate about the effectiveness and fairness of Colorado’s unique tax limitation measure.

Supporters argue that TABOR successfully limits government growth and ensures taxpayers benefit from economic prosperity.

“TABOR is working exactly as intended,” said Senator Mark Richardson, a long-time TABOR advocate. “When the state collects more than it needs, that money belongs to the people who earned it.”

Critics, however, contend that TABOR refunds come at the expense of needed investments in education, infrastructure, and other public services.

They argue that the constitutional spending cap prevents the state from adequately addressing long-term challenges.

“While a $1,700 check is welcome for many families, we’re missing an opportunity to make strategic investments in Colorado’s future,” countered Representative Sophia Williams, who has proposed reforms to the TABOR system.

TABOR Refund What to Do If Your Refund Is Delayed

If you don’t receive your refund by the expected date, the Department of Revenue recommends the following steps:

1. Verify your refund status through the official online portal

2. Ensure your address and direct deposit information are current

3. Check that your tax return was processed without errors

4. Contact the Department of Revenue if the delay exceeds 12 weeks

The Department of Revenue has expanded its customer service capacity in anticipation of high call volumes during the refund distribution period.

TABOR Refund Conclusion

The upcoming $1,700 TABOR refund represents a significant financial event for Colorado residents.

As April 2025 approaches, eligible taxpayers should verify their status and ensure their contact information is current to receive their refund promptly.

While the political debate surrounding TABOR continues, the immediate impact for many Coloradans will be a welcome boost to their finances during what remains a challenging economic period for many households.

For additional information, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the official Colorado Department of Revenue website or contact their tax professional with specific questions about their eligibility or refund amount.