El Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) is a Colorado constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1992 that places tight limits on state and local government revenue and spending. Known as the most restrictive fiscal limitation mechanism in the United States, TABOR seeks to shield taxpayers from rogue tax hikes by requiring voter approval for new taxes and forcing the return of excess revenue.
It applies at all levels of government, from school districts to the state, and impact budgets, public services, and regional inequalities. History The roots of TABOR go back to the 1876 Colorado Constitution, which included tax constraints such as balanced budgets and bans on excessive debt.
In the 20th century, after the Great Depression, tax rate caps were implemented, inspired by tax revolts such as California’s Proposition 13 in 1978.
The tax refunds in Colorado: new TABOR payments to be sent soon
In Colorado, similar initiatives failed in 1966, 1972, 1976, and 1978. In 1977, the legislature passed a General Fund spending cap of 7% annually, which was amended in 1991 to the lesser of 5% of personal income or 6% over the past year. Proposed constitutional amendments were defeated in 1986, 1988, and 1990.
Finally, propelled by activist Douglas Bruce and a national climate of fiscal control such as Ross Perot’s 1992 campaign, TABOR was approved by 54% of voters in November 1992 when Colorado had the lowest per capita state income tax rate in the region $1,046.
In 2005, Referendum C temporarily suspended the revenue limits for five years to counteract the’ ratchet effect ‘ after the bursting of the dot com bubble, allowing all collected revenue to be kept until 2010.
Who can receive these Colorado tax refunds?
The TABOR tax refunds are not a federal stimulus check, but a direct sales and income tax refund, and for the 2024 tax year (which is paid in 2025), there’s about $1.7 billion at stake. As it’s expected, over 3.2 million Coloradans could receive something, depending on how their tax returns go.
First, who qualifies? Basically, if you were a Colorado resident for all of 2024, were at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2025, and aren’t a dependent on someone else’s return, you’re eligible.
You need a valid Social Security number or ITIN, and the key is to file your state tax return (Form DR 0104) or, if you don’t have to file because your income is low, the simplified form for the Property/Rent/Heat Credit (PTC, Form DR 0104PTC) by June 30, 2025.
For standard refunds, they’re based on your 2024 adjusted gross income (AGI) and are automatically sent with your tax refund if you use direct deposit.
Expected tax refunds amounts
Now, the amounts: They vary by income bracket and whether you file single or married filing jointly. According to the official announcement from the Colorado Department of Revenue on October 17, 2024, here’s a quick rundown:
- Up to $53,000 AGI (single): $177; (joint): $354
- $53,001-$105,000: $240 / $480
- $105,001-$166,000: $277 / $554
- $166,001-$233,000: $323 / $646
- $233,001-$302,000: $350 / $700
- Over $302,000: $565 / $1,130
The income tax is also being reduced in Colorado
Keep in mind, this is in addition to a temporary reduction in the income tax rate from 4.4% to 4.25% for 2024. For low-income earners or seniors, the PTC adds an extra bonus, which can add up to hundreds more if you qualify for income or property taxes.
And in October 2025 specifically, that’s where the action comes in for certain groups. If you applied for the PTC before June, your payments are expected to go out between August and October; right now, with the cool fall, many checks or direct deposits arrive at the end of the month.
For those requesting a tax extension (until October 15), the TABOR refund comes out about 60 days later, so if you file this week, wait until November or December. Those who filed early already collected their payments in the spring or summer, but October is peak for PTCs: imagine grandparents in Denver opening the mailbox with a smile.
To claim, go to tax.colorado.gov, use the status check portal, or call 303-238-7378. If you e-file and deposit, it will arrive in two weeks; if you file on paper, it will take six to eight.