A welcome refund for Coloradans
Some Americans in Colorado are about to get a nice little cash boost. This year, certain residents can receive up to $1,130 as part of a refund programme called the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. These payments come from extra money the state collected—more than it was allowed to keep under state law.
With the cost of living rising thanks to inflation, many people are keeping an eye out for state programmes that put cash back in their pockets. Colorado’s TABOR programme has been around since 1992, thanks to a constitutional amendment that limits how much the state can collect and spend. When the state takes in more than its set limit, that money has to be refunded to taxpayers.
For 2025, Colorado hit a revenue surplus of about $1.7 billion, resulting in one of the biggest TABOR refunds in recent years.
How much can you get?
The maximum refund of $1,130 goes to married couples filing jointly with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $302,001 or more in 2024. Single filers in that same income bracket can expect $565. Those in lower income brackets will see smaller checks, starting around $177.
Good news: you don’t need to apply for TABOR. If you filed your Colorado state income taxes for 2024, the refund is automatic.
Who qualifies?
To get a TABOR refund, you need to meet a few requirements:
- Be a Colorado resident for all of 2024
- File a 2024 Colorado income tax return, or submit a qualifying rebate or property tax application
- File your taxes by the extended October 15, 2025, deadline
Once the state processes the 2024 tax returns, TABOR payments will go out during the 2025 refund cycle, with most arriving between spring and fall.
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What is TABOR anyway?
TABOR stands for the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. It’s a Colorado constitutional amendment that keeps the state from spending too much tax revenue. The law:
- Requires voter approval for new taxes
- Limits revenue growth to population and inflation increases
- Mandates that extra revenue be refunded to taxpayers
- Sets a 3% emergency reserve
- Defines rules for fiscal ballot measures
Looking ahead: TABOR refunds in 2026
The size of TABOR refunds can change a lot year to year, depending on Colorado’s economy. Next year, refunds will be much smaller. For example:
- Single filers making up to $54,000: $20
- Joint filers making up to $54,000: $40
- Single filers making $329,001 or more: $62
- Joint filers making $329,001 or more: $124
The state collected $296.1 million in excess revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025—far less than the $1.7 billion from 2024. Two-thirds of this money will go to Homestead Property Tax refunds, helping older homeowners, disabled veterans, and gold star spouses. The rest will be distributed as income-based checks.
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What about 2027?
For the first time in six years, TABOR refunds may not be available in 2027. State revenue is projected to drop by 1.1%, leaving little surplus to refund.
Other ways to get extra cash
If you’re hoping for a bit more money this year, there are other programmes to watch. Energy payments of up to $750 are expected to hit mailboxes in November, and $400 “inflation refund” checks are also coming soon.
Colorado residents should keep their eyes open and make sure their taxes are filed on time to take advantage of these opportunities.
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