Check your refund status through the Colorado Department of Revenue website

The Colorado Department of Revenue runs a TABOR refund status tracker on its website where you can look up whether your refund has been processed and sent. Go to tax.colorado.gov, find the TABOR refund section, and enter your Social Security number or federal employer identification number (FEIN) if you filed as a business. The tracker shows whether your refund is pending, has been mailed, or has been deposited.

The tracker updates regularly but not in real time. If your status shows "mailed," the refund was sent to the address on file with the state — typically the address you used on your tax return. If it shows "pending," the state is still processing it. Refunds are usually sent in batches, so timing depends on when your return was processed and which batch you fall into.

If you cannot find your information in the tracker or the status seems wrong, write down the exact message you see. You will need that detail when you contact the department.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colorado Department of Revenue website has a tracker where you enter your Social Security number to see if your TABOR refund has been mailed or deposited.
  • Refunds are sent in batches over several months, so the timing depends on when your return was processed and which group you are in.
  • Most refunds are mailed to the address on your tax return, but some are deposited directly to a bank account if you chose that option when you filed.
  • If your refund was mailed more than 30 days ago and you have not received it, contact the Department of Revenue to report it as lost.
  • Refunds sent to an old address or returned by the post office are held by the state and require a claim to redirect them.

Understand the mailing timeline for TABOR refunds

Colorado sends TABOR refunds in waves rather than all at once. The state typically begins mailing refunds in late spring or early summer, depending on the year and the amount of refunds owed. Each batch takes several weeks to process and mail, so you may receive yours weeks or even months after your neighbor receives theirs — both are normal.

The order in which refunds are mailed is not based on when you filed. Instead, the state processes returns in batches based on when they were received and processed by the system. A return filed in February might be mailed in June, while one filed in April might go out in July.

Check the Department of Revenue website for announcements about which batches are being mailed in a given week. These announcements tell you roughly when to expect your refund based on your filing date or return processing date.

What to do if your refund was mailed but you did not receive it

If the tracker shows your refund was mailed more than 30 days ago and the check has not arrived, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-238-TAXCO (8296). Have your Social Security number and the address where the refund was supposed to be sent ready. The department can confirm the mailing address and date, and if the check was lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement.

Replacement checks usually take two to four weeks to arrive after you report the missing refund. The state will put a stop on the original check so it cannot be cashed if it shows up later. Keep a record of the date you called and the name of the person who helped you, in case you need to follow up.

If you moved since you filed your return, the refund may have been mailed to your old address. The post office will not forward checks, so it may have been returned to the state. In that case, you will need to file a claim with the Department of Revenue to have the refund sent to your current address.

Claim a refund that was returned to the state

When a check is mailed to an address that is no longer valid, the post office returns it to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The state holds these checks, but you must request that the refund be reissued to your current address. You cannot simply wait for it to arrive — the state will not re-mail it on its own.

Contact the Department of Revenue and explain that your refund was mailed to an old address. Provide your current address and ask them to reissue the check. You may be asked to submit a form or provide proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. The process usually takes two to four weeks once the state receives your request.

If you are unsure whether your refund was returned, the tracker may show "mailed" even if the check came back to the state. Calling the department is the fastest way to find out.

Choose direct deposit to avoid mailing delays

If you have not yet received your TABOR refund and you are filing next year, you can request direct deposit when you file your return. Direct deposit sends the refund straight to your bank account instead of mailing a check. This method is faster — most direct deposits arrive within one to two weeks of processing — and you do not have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail.

To set up direct deposit, you will need your bank account number and routing number when you file. These numbers are on the bottom left of any check from your account. If you use tax software or file through a tax preparer, they can help you enter this information correctly.

Direct deposit is optional, but it is the most reliable way to receive your refund quickly. The state processes direct deposits in the same batches as mailed checks, but the money reaches you faster once it is sent.

Contact the Department of Revenue if the tracker shows an error

If the tracker shows a refund amount that seems wrong, or if it shows no refund at all when you believe you should have one, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-238-TAXCO (8296). Have your return and any notices from the state available when you call. The department can review your return and explain why the refund amount is what it is, or why no refund was issued.

Common reasons for a smaller-than-expected refund include tax debt, child support obligations, or other claims against the refund. The state is required to use TABOR refunds to pay these debts before sending the remainder to you. If this happened, the department will explain which debt was paid and how much was applied.

If you disagree with the refund amount or believe there is an error on your return, you may be able to file an amended return. The department can tell you whether that is an option in your situation and what form you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a TABOR refund?

Most refunds are mailed within two to four months of when your return is processed, but the exact timing depends on which batch you are in. Direct deposits arrive faster — usually one to two weeks after processing. The state sends refunds in waves from late spring through early fall, so you may receive yours at different times than others who filed around the same date.

Can I get my TABOR refund as a direct deposit instead of a check?

Yes, if you have not yet filed your return for the year the refund is owed. When you file, you can choose direct deposit and provide your bank account and routing number. If you already filed and chose a check, you cannot change it for that year, but you can choose direct deposit on future returns.

What if my refund was applied to pay taxes I owe?

The state is required to use your TABOR refund to pay any back taxes, child support, or other debts before sending you the remainder. The tracker or a call to the Department of Revenue will show you how much was applied and to what debt. If you disagree with the debt, you can dispute it, but the refund will remain applied until the debt is resolved.

Can I claim a TABOR refund that is more than a year old?

Yes, but you should contact the Department of Revenue soon. Unclaimed refunds are held indefinitely, but the longer you wait, the harder it may be to track down the paperwork and confirm your address. Call 303-238-TAXCO (8296) with your Social Security number and the year of the refund you are looking for.

What if I filed jointly but only one spouse received the refund?

If you filed a joint return, the refund is typically mailed to the address on file or split between two accounts if you both chose direct deposit. If only one spouse received it, contact the Department of Revenue to clarify how the refund was processed. You may need to work with your spouse to resolve how the money is divided.