If you’re wondering about TABOR Colorado refunds in 2025, you’re not alone. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, TABOR refunds are now based on your income and are claimed when you file your Colorado state income tax return, not issued as a separate check.
For the 2025 tax year, refund amounts vary by adjusted gross income (AGI) with payments ranging from $19 to $118. Because the refund is included with your state tax filing, it’s important to know how it works so you don’t miss it. If you need help preparing or filing your Colorado state income tax return, our tax professionals at Boxelder Consulting can help.
Colorado TABOR FAQ
What is Colorado TABOR Law?
The Colorado Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) is an amendment to the Colorado State Constitution passed in 1992. TABOR limits the amount of revenue that the Colorado State government can spend and retain.
The TABOR amendment has played a major role in shaping the tax system in Colorado. It dictates that state and local governments cannot raise taxes without voter approval. And, if state revenues grow faster than the rates of inflation and population growth, the government must refund the excess revenue back to the taxpayers.
In effect, TABOR creates a revenue limit for the State of Colorado. Any amount of money collected over the limit is called the “TABOR Surplus,” and is sent back to citizens at the end of the fiscal year. Gov. Polis’s announcement is not a new piece of legislation. He is only sending out the TABOR payments already required by Colorado tax law ahead of schedule.
How Are TABOR Revenue Payments Taxed?
TABOR payments are not taxable. In fact, they are technically a tax refund for the year 2023 and should be put in the same category as the tax refund you would receive each year as a W-2 employee.
How Are TABOR Colorado Refunds Calculated?
For the 2025 tax year, TABOR refund amounts are based on adjusted gross income (AGI), with the lowest income earners receiving refunds of around $19, and the highest income earners receiving about $118. Unlike previous years, these refunds are claimed on your Colorado state income tax return rather than issued as a separate check.
What Are the 2025 TABOR Refund Amounts?
The table below shows the official 2025 TABOR Colorado refund amounts by income:
When Will I Receive My TABOR Refund?
You’ll receive your TABOR refund with your Colorado state income tax refund after you file your return. There is no separate check or payment however, the refund is included in your state tax filing.
The timeline of your refund depends on how you file. E-file returns typically process faster (within a few weeks) while paper returns may take longer to process.
How Boxelder Can Help With Your Colorado Taxes
At Boxelder Consulting, our team works with Colorado taxpayers to ensure their returns are filed accurately and on time. Whether you’re filing as an individual or have any other tax needs, we can help you from start to finish.
If you have any other questions about TABOR, Colorado tax rates, or need state or federal tax filing, give us a call at (303) 317-6111 for a free consultation. Boxelder Consulting is a full service tax, accounting, bookkeeping, and tax relief firm, and we were recently named the Best Accounting Team in Denver by Legal Directorate. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
