Colorado has not announced a TABOR refund for 2025 yet
Whether Colorado will issue a TABOR refund in 2025 depends on whether the state collects more tax revenue than the TABOR cap allows. The state legislature and governor do not decide to give refunds—the law requires them only when revenue exceeds the limit. As of now, no official announcement has been made about 2025, and the state will not know the final number until after the fiscal year ends on June 30, 2025.
Colorado issued TABOR refunds in 2022 and 2023, but not in 2024. The amount varies each year based on how much revenue came in above the cap. If a refund is approved, it typically arrives in the fall of the following year—so a 2025 refund would likely arrive in late 2025 or early 2026.
Key Takeaways
- TABOR refunds are automatic only when Colorado's revenue exceeds the constitutional cap; the state does not decide whether to issue one.
- The state will not know if a 2025 refund will happen until after June 30, 2025, when the fiscal year closes.
- If a refund is approved, it typically arrives by October or November of that year, sent to the address on file with the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- You do not need to do anything to receive a refund if you are may be able to access; the state sends it automatically to taxpayers who filed a return.
- Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call 303-238-TAXCO (8296) for updates as the year progresses.
How the TABOR cap determines whether a refund happens
TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) is a constitutional rule that limits how much revenue Colorado can keep each year. The limit is based on the prior year's revenue, adjusted for inflation and population growth. If the state collects more than that cap allows, the excess must be refunded to taxpayers—it cannot be spent or carried forward.
The Colorado Department of Revenue tracks revenue throughout the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), but the final count does not happen until after June 30. Economic conditions, employment, and sales all affect whether the state will exceed the cap. A strong economy pushes revenue up; a weak one keeps it down. The state legislature cannot predict this with certainty months in advance.
Once the final revenue number is known, the state controller's office calculates whether a refund is owed. If one is, the legislature passes a bill authorizing it, and the refund is processed and mailed.
Timeline for a 2025 TABOR refund announcement and payment
If Colorado does issue a 2025 refund, here is the likely timeline:
| When | What Happens |
|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | Fiscal year ends; final revenue count begins |
| July–August 2025 | State controller's office calculates whether refund is owed |
| August–September 2025 | Legislature may pass bill authorizing refund |
| October–November 2025 | Refund checks mailed or direct deposits processed |
This timeline is not may provide—the legislature could delay the process, or no refund could be owed at all. The state will likely announce whether a refund is coming by late August or early September 2025.
Who receives a TABOR refund and how much
TABOR refunds go to anyone who filed a Colorado state income tax return for that year. The refund is based on your tax liability (what you owed), not your income. If you did not file a return, you do not receive a refund, even if you paid taxes through withholding.
The amount each person receives is calculated by dividing the total refund pool by the total tax liability of all filers. In 2022, Colorado residents received roughly $750 per return. In 2023, the amount was about $1,100 per return. The 2025 amount, if a refund occurs, will depend on how much excess revenue the state collected and how many people filed returns.
You do not need to do anything to receive the refund. The Colorado Department of Revenue will send it to the address on file with your return. If you moved, update your address with the department before the refund is issued.
How to track a TABOR refund status
Once the state announces that a refund is coming, you can track its status through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. The department typically posts a dedicated page for TABOR refunds that shows the refund amount, payment method, and expected delivery date.
You can also call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-238-TAXCO (8296) to ask about refund status. Have your Social Security number and the tax year in question ready. The phone line is busiest in the weeks after refunds are mailed, so expect wait times.
If you filed a joint return, only one refund check is issued to the address on file. If you and your spouse have separated or divorced since filing, contact the department before the refund is mailed to update the address or request a split payment.
What to do if you do not receive your refund
If a refund is issued and you do not receive it within the stated timeframe, first check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to confirm the refund was actually mailed. Sometimes refunds are delayed due to address issues or processing errors.
If the website shows your refund was mailed but you did not receive it, contact the department by phone or mail. Bring your Social Security number, the tax year, and the refund amount (if you know it). The department can issue a replacement check or direct deposit if the original was lost or misdirected.
If you moved after filing your return, the refund may have been sent to your old address. Contact the post office to see if it can forward the check, or contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to request a replacement sent to your current address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I will get a TABOR refund in 2025?
You will receive one only if Colorado's revenue exceeds the TABOR cap for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The state will announce this by late August or early September 2025. You do not need to do anything to check—the state will mail the refund automatically if you filed a 2024 tax return.
Do I have to file a tax return to get a TABOR refund?
Yes. TABOR refunds go only to people who filed a Colorado state income tax return for that year. If you had taxes withheld but did not file a return, you will not receive a refund, even if you were owed one.
What if I moved since I filed my 2024 return?
Update your address with the Colorado Department of Revenue before the refund is mailed (likely by September 2025). You can update your address online through the department's website or by calling 303-238-TAXCO (8296). If the refund is mailed to your old address, contact the post office or the department for a replacement.
How long does it take to receive a TABOR refund after it is announced?
Refunds are typically mailed within two to four weeks of the announcement. Direct deposits, if offered, may arrive faster. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the exact mailing date and expected delivery window.
Can I get my TABOR refund as a direct deposit instead of a check?
This depends on how the state processes the refund. In recent years, Colorado has offered direct deposit for TABOR refunds if you provided banking information on your tax return. Check the department's website when the refund is announced to see what payment methods are available.