There's one more thing for Coloradans to look out for this 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.
But recently, the program could be at risk of undergoing legal threat.
Several state Democrats, led by Rep. Sean Camacho, are challenging the legality of the TABOR program with a bill that would sue the state for potential violation of the U.S. Constitution. If the bill passes, and the lawsuit is successful, taxpayers could see the TABOR program end.
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Read on for what this potential lawsuit might mean for you, a Colorado resident, and for eligibility requirements surrounding this year’s TABOR payout.
TABOR refund news
Earlier this month Colorado lawmakers unveiled a new bill requiring a lawsuit to be filed against the state’s TABOR program. If passed, the litigation would premise that TABOR limits the state's “republican form of government” from performing its duties.
But TABOR has been around for over thirty years; so what’s this about?
Well, the program pays out state revenues over a certain amount back to taxpayers. Because of this cap, 2025 expected TABOR refunds could be about $1.7 billion.
However, the state’s budget currently has a budget shortfall of about $1.2 billion; meaning, without TABOR, the state of Colorado could have a $500 million surplus instead.
Republican lawmakers are expected to oppose the potential lawsuit against TABOR. While the Democrat party holds both majorities in the state Senate and House, the bill would need a two-thirds majority to pass, which would include Republicans.
Failed attempts to curb TABOR have also hit the state ballot twice before — in both elections, constituents voted to keep the program running as is. Additionally, another lawsuit filed against the program was dismissed four years ago.
What does this mean for you? The bill for the latest lawsuit against TABOR currently sits in the state House, meaning TABOR is safe for now. So read on for how much you might see in your TABOR refund this year.
How to get the Colorado TABOR refund
To receive the 2024 TABOR refund, you must file your state income tax return, meeting 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.
Then, you must opt-in by checking a box on your state tax return. The TABOR option on your return looks like a checkbox. Select that option or ask your tax preparer to make the election for you. Guided software should also have a box for you to choose from.
In years past, TABOR refunds were sent as a separate payment. But starting last year, things are a bit different. Taxpayers need to opt-in on their state taxes to receive one.
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.
2024 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 2024 TABOR refunds following the below schedule:
Adjusted gross income | Single filer | Married filing joint filer |
|---|---|---|
$0 to $53,000 | $177 | $354 |
$53,001 to $105,000 | $240 | $480 |
$105,001 to $166,000 | $277 | $554 |
$166,001 to $233,000 | $323 | $646 |
$233,001 to $302,000 | $350 | $700 |
$302,001+ | $565 | $1,130 |
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 last year's and this year's.
How to check Colorado state tax refund status
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 2024 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 the 2026 filing season, 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 dropped from 4.40% to 4.25%. This reduction will automatically apply when you file your 2024 state income tax return this filing season.
But amid this good news comes a lower future payout for TABOR.
Last September, 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, the 2025 filing season may be the last year Coloradans can enjoy higher TABOR payments for a few years — or indefinitely, if the bill to sue the state passes and the lawsuit is successful.
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