Colorado taxpayers are beginning to receive their 2025 TABOR refund, with payments reaching up to $1,130 per eligible resident. As winter costs rise and household budgets tighten, this refund offers timely financial support for millions across the state.
The state is returning nearly $1.2 billion to taxpayers—one of the biggest refund cycles in Colorado’s history—thanks to strong revenue growth in the previous fiscal year.
Below is a simple, updated breakdown of what residents need to know about the payment.
Why the $1,130 Refund Matters
The refund helps residents cover growing seasonal expenses, including:
- High heating and electricity bills
- Food and essential household purchases
- Transportation and fuel
- Medical and winter-related costs
Because these payments go directly to taxpayers, they also help stimulate the local economy by increasing spending in Colorado communities.
Program Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | 2025 TABOR Refund |
| Administered By | Colorado Department of Revenue |
| Maximum Amount | Up to $1,130 |
| Total Funds Distributed | About $1.2 billion |
| Distribution Window | Mid-October – Nov. 30, 2025 |
| Who Qualifies | Eligible Colorado taxpayers |
| Official Website | https://cdor.colorado.gov |
Eligibility Requirements for the $1,130 Refund
More than 3 million Coloradans are expected to qualify. To receive your refund, all of the following must be true:
Mandatory Requirements
- You lived in Colorado for the entire year of 2024
- You are 18 years or older
- You have a valid SSN or ITIN
- You were not claimed as a dependent
- You filed a 2024 Colorado state income tax return
There is no separate application or form. Filing the tax return automatically places you in the refund system.
2025 TABOR Refund Payment Timeline
The payment date varies depending on your filing method and whether you chose direct deposit or a paper check.
| Step | Approximate Date |
|---|---|
| Refund Processing Begins | Early October 2025 |
| Direct Deposit Payments | Mid-October 2025 |
| Mailed Check Payments | October – November 2025 |
| Final Refunds Issued | By November 30, 2025 |
Direct deposit refunds are delivered fastest. Mailed checks may require extra time due to postal delays and processing volume.
Estimated Refund Amount by Filing Status
| Filing Status | Estimated Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Filer | $1,130 | Standard refund |
| Married Filing Jointly | Higher | Based on combined tax paid |
| Low-Income Filers | Minimum refund guaranteed | Ensures fairness |
| High-Income Filers | Refund capped | Prevents oversized payments |
Why the 2025 Refund Is Larger Than Recent Years
The 2025 payout is higher for several reasons:
- Stronger-than-expected tax revenue
- Higher business income across 2024
- Increased consumer spending
- Population growth, boosting total tax collection
- Inflation adjustments expanding allowable state spending
- TABOR rules requiring excess revenue to be returned
Under TABOR, when state revenue exceeds the constitutional limit, the surplus must be refunded to taxpayers.
Current Status of Payments
Colorado has already started sending out the 2025 TABOR refunds.
Direct deposits are going out first, and checks will continue through the end of November.
State officials highlight that these refunds reflect strong economic performance over the past year.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for the $1,130 refund?
Any full-year 2024 Colorado resident who is 18 or older, filed a 2024 state tax return, and is not a dependent.
Q2: Do I have to apply to receive the refund?
No. The payment is automatic once your 2024 tax return is filed.
Q3: When will refunds be delivered?
Most taxpayers will receive their refund between mid-October and November 30, 2025.
Q4: Will joint filers receive a larger refund?
Yes. Joint filers may receive a higher amount based on their combined tax contribution.
Q5: How will my refund be paid?
Either by direct deposit or mailed check, depending on what was selected during filing.
Conclusion
The 2025 TABOR refund—worth up to $1,130—is a major financial boost for Colorado residents during an expensive time of year. As long as you filed your 2024 Colorado tax return, your payment will be processed automatically. With billions being returned to taxpayers, the refund strengthens both household budgets and the state’s overall economy.